The Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects accused of snatching a taxi driver’s vehicle at gunpoint in the Lekki area of the state.
Command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday.
He said operatives from the Ilasan Division apprehended the suspects, aged between 25 and 35.
According to him, the incident occurred on August 1 when a taxi driver reported that the suspects, who had booked his services along Platinum Way, Jakande, Lekki, boarded his black Toyota Corolla.
“During the trip, one of them pointed a locally made pistol at him and ordered him out of the vehicle, after which the gang sped off with the car,” Hundeyin said.
The police later launched an intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.
Further investigation revealed that the stolen vehicle was sold for ₦500,000 to a 40-year-old buyer in Ibadan, who allegedly dismantled it and sold the parts. He has since been arrested.
Hundeyin noted that efforts are underway to recover the pistol used in the operation, trace other vehicles sold by the syndicate, and prosecute all those involved.
The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, assured residents of the command’s commitment to their safety and urged members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid police response.