Police arrest three suspected motorcycle thieves, recover five bikes
Lagos Police Dismantle Motorcycle Theft Syndicate
The Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, has successfully dismantled a criminal syndicate connected to widespread motorcycle thefts in Lagos and Ogun states. Three suspects were apprehended during a coordinated raid, according to a statement released Wednesday by Assistant Inspector-General of Police Olohundare Jimoh, with additional details provided by command spokesperson DSP Gbenga Afolayan.
The operation followed an extensive investigation into a gang notorious for stealing motorcycles, particularly in the Sagamu and Ijebu Ode areas of Ogun State.
According to Jimoh, the operation was initiated after a formal petition was submitted on April 12 regarding the syndicate’s activities. Investigations indicated that the gang would steal motorcycles primarily during early morning hours, between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., before selling them to buyers in areas such as Ogere, Ojodu Berger, and Mushin.
The Zone 2 ‘Dragon Team’ conducted surveillance and intelligence gathering to identify members of the syndicate. An ambush at the Sagamu Interchange on May 19 resulted in the arrests of three individuals aged 26, 29, and 48.
Preliminary findings reveal that the syndicate, along with two other suspects who remain at large, utilized techniques including towing motorcycles from their parked locations and manipulating steering systems and electrical wires to start the engines.
During the operation, officers recovered three unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycles, one unregistered Daylong motorcycle, and one unregistered Lifan motorcycle. Jimoh stated that the gang is believed to have stolen and sold around 50 motorcycles in the Sagamu and Ijebu Ode regions.
Police efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang, based on information provided by the arrested suspects. Jimoh has also instructed command operatives to enhance their pursuits in capturing the remaining suspects and to ensure thorough prosecution following the conclusion of investigations.
