The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old man, Jude Onouha, alleged to be the kingpin of a criminal syndicate that specialised in vandalising luxury vehicles across residential estates in the state while posing as security operatives.
According to the command, the suspect and his gang gained access to several estates under the false pretence of conducting security checks. They wore fake uniforms and used a Mercedes-Benz car jack modified to resemble a firearm to deceive unsuspecting security guards before launching their operations.
Once inside, the gang targeted high-end vehicles, including Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, and Mercedes-Benz SUVs, systematically dismantling them and carting away vital components such as brainboxes, side mirrors, wiring systems, tapping glasses, and other control devices.
Recovered from the suspect were the modified Mercedes-Benz car jack and a face cap with the inscription “Special Force,” which he allegedly used to reinforce his disguise.
Confirming the arrest, Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, described the breakthrough as a major success in the battle against organised criminal syndicates in Lagos.
“The suspect has corroborated his involvement in the crimes and is assisting detectives with ongoing investigations. Efforts are being intensified to track down the other fleeing members of the gang so they can face the full weight of the law,” Jimoh said.
The commissioner urged residents and estate managers to be more vigilant, adding that individuals who present themselves as security operatives must always be verified with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area.
“Where there is doubt, such persons should be referred to the nearest police division immediately,” he cautioned.
The Police Command also released emergency phone numbers, encouraging residents to work closely with the police to strengthen community safety and security.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of recurring incidents of impersonation and vehicle vandalism in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
In 2024, police arrested suspects who specialised in breaking into estates at night to steal vehicle brainboxes and other costly components. Earlier cases also showed a pattern of criminals disguising themselves as government officials or security personnel.
In 2023, fake transport enforcement officers and bogus “MOT staff” were caught extorting motorists in Lagos. In another case, a security guard in Ikoyi was exposed for impersonating a police corporal.
Similarly, earlier this year in Ondo State, police intercepted a syndicate that stole vehicles, dismantled them, and sold the parts across state lines.
Security experts say the Lagos arrest highlights the growing sophistication of criminal gangs who combine deception with technical knowledge of vehicles. Unlike petty thieves, such syndicates are often organised, mobile, and difficult to trace once stolen parts enter the black market.
Police have assured residents that investigations will continue until all members of the gang are apprehended and prosecuted. The command stressed that vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting remain vital to defeating criminal groups posing as security operatives in communities.
