The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended a car-snatching syndicate that specializes in dismantling stolen vehicles from Lagos for resale in Kwara State.
This was disclosed by the Command’s spokeswoman, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement released on Friday.
Ejire-Adeyemi revealed that detectives were tipped off about suspicious activities at a dump site located around the Madi area, along the Okolowo/Jebba expressway in Ilorin.
On arrival, the officers found suspects dismantling a Nissan Almera car, ash in color, with Lagos registration number AKD 919 AU.
“Upon arrival at the scene, three suspects, Abdulateef Abdulwahab, Wasiu Musa, and Tajudeen Abdulrasak were arrested while dismantling the car,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.
Interrogation of the suspects led to the arrest of additional accomplices:
Usman Oseni, Abdulrasheed Jimoh, Abdulrasak Jamiu Ayinde, and Lukman Ibrahim, are all residents of Ilorin, Kwara State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the car was snatched at gunpoint in Lagos State and transported to Ilorin for dismantling and resale.
Ejire-Adeyemi added, “Two other suspects, Olarewaju Sukirulahi and an individual known as ‘Old Soldier,’ remain at large.
Efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend these fleeing suspects.”
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, commended the swift and professional actions of the officers involved in this operation.
“The prompt response and dedication of our officers have led to the apprehension of these criminals.
We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” Olaiya stated.
The Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The Command reiterated its commitment to combating crime and ensuring that justice is served.
Background and Arrest Details
The arrest of the car-snatching syndicate followed a series of investigations into the activities of criminals targeting vehicles in Lagos and transporting them to other states.
This operation highlights the collaborative efforts of various police units in combating inter-state criminal activities.
During the raid, officers discovered tools used for dismantling cars and parts ready for sale.
The suspects are currently in custody, and further investigations are ongoing to uncover more details about the syndicate’s operations and other possible stolen vehicles.
The Kwara State Police Command’s success in this operation underscores the importance of community policing and intelligence gathering in crime prevention and resolution.
