The Lagos Police Command says it has arrested two dismissed soldiers and four others for alleged armed robbery and car theft.
SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesperson confirmed the arrest on Tuesday.
Hundeyin said the two dismissed soldiers belonged to a robbery gang that allegedly specialised in snatching vehicles at gunpoint from motorists in different parts of the state and selling the same within Lagos.
He said the robbery tactical team based in Surulere arrested the suspects after information and due diligence investigations within one month.
Hundeyin said three were arrested in Lagos State, one in Ilorin, and two vehicles were recovered.
“They have been operating quite a while before their arrest. They are four in number, two are dismissed soldiers. One was dismissed in 2014, and the other in 2017.
“They carried out their crime wearing full military uniform. Our investigation so far revealed that the gang has snatched a total of 13 cars, two have been recovered. We also recovered the military uniform and military Identity cards with various ranks, including lieutenant colonel,” he said.
Hundeyin said another suspect, a driver, was also arrested for allegedly stealing his boss’ car the day he was employed.
He said the suspect went to the church the following Sunday with the stolen car for dedication and thanksgiving before his arrest.
The spokesperson, however, blamed his employer for not carrying out a due diligence investigation before securing the driver’s service.
The sixth suspect, according to Hundeyin, who claimed to be an automobile mechanic, was arrested for allegedly stealing and selling off cars given to him for repairs.
The spokesperson said the buyer of the stolen cars from the mechanic was also arrested.
He said the mechanic claimed he told the buyer that he brought the cars from Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The spokesperson said all the suspects would be charged to court upon completing the investigation, adding that operatives were on the train of other cars stolen for recovery.
