The Lagos State Police Command has arrested 46-year-old Jude Onouha, alleged ringleader of a notorious criminal gang that specialised in posing as security operatives to infiltrate residential estates and steal luxury vehicles.
In a statement signed by DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, the Command revealed that the syndicate used fake uniforms and a Mercedes-Benz car jack modified to resemble a firearm to trick estate security guards and gain access into gated communities across Lagos.
“Under the guise of conducting security checks, the suspects deceived unsuspecting estate personnel to grant them entry. Once inside, they targeted high-end vehicles such as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Highlander, Lexus 650, Mercedes-Benz, and other SUVs,” the statement read.
The gang allegedly vandalised these vehicles and removed expensive components, including brainboxes, tapping glasses, wiring systems, side mirrors, and control devices.
Onouha, identified as the gang’s kingpin, has reportedly confessed to the crimes and is currently assisting investigators. Recovered from him were the fake ‘Special Force’ cap and the modified car jack used to disguise the gang’s criminal activities.
Police say efforts are underway to track down other gang members and accomplices.
The Command, while assuring residents of intensified security operations, urged estate managers and security guards to exercise maximum vigilance when approached by individuals claiming to be operatives of any security agency.
Residents were advised to:
Verify identities of supposed operatives through their local Divisional Police Officer (DPO).
Deny access where there is doubt and report immediately to the nearest police station.
Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, called for stronger collaboration between residents and law enforcement, stressing that community vigilance remains a vital tool in combating crime.
He also encouraged the public to make use of the Command’s emergency hotlines — 08063299264, 09053872208, 08087332678 — for swift police intervention.
“With vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting, we will continue to strengthen the safety and security of all communities across Lagos State,” CP Jimoh assured.
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