The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate accused of disguising as security operatives to gain access into residential estates and vandalise high-end vehicles across Lagos.

The Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, announced the arrests during a press briefing on Wednesday, describing the suspects as part of a “notorious and vicious gang” operating within the Lagos metropolis.

Police said the suspects identified as Obinna Okeke (27), Emmanuel Anyanwu (38), and Joshua Nkemdirim (31) were apprehended around 4:00 a.m. in the Lekki area following a coordinated operation by detectives.

How the syndicate operated

According to the police, the gang used deception and intimidation to bypass estate security systems.

They allegedly disguised themselves in fake security uniforms and used a modified Mercedes-Benz car jack shaped like a firearm to create fear and gain access.

“They present the object like a rifle. At that point, victims believe it is a real weapon and comply,” the commissioner said.

Once inside estates, the suspects reportedly targeted vehicles particularly Toyota, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz models removing valuable components.

Police said the gang specialised in dismantling critical parts such as brain boxes, wiring systems, air-conditioning control units, mirrors, and other high-value components.

“Some of these parts are extremely expensive. Replacing them can cost between three to five million naira depending on the vehicle,” Jimoh said.

Arrest, confession and recovered items

The police confirmed that the suspects confessed during interrogation and have been assisting with ongoing investigations.

Recovered items include vehicle components, tools used for vandalism, whistles for communication, and fake number plates allegedly used to evade detection.

Authorities said the suspects also led detectives to crime scenes, where victims identified them.

“The suspects admitted they specialise in vandalising vehicles parked within estates,” the police said.

Wider crackdown and ongoing investigation

Police say efforts are underway to track down other members of the syndicate, including those who buy stolen vehicle parts.

Jimoh warned that individuals who purchase stolen components are equally culpable.

“If there is no market for stolen items, the crime will reduce. Receivers of these items are as guilty as those who steal them,” he said.

The command also hinted at a possible clampdown on markets suspected of dealing in stolen automobile parts.

Why it matters

Vehicle vandalism has become a growing concern in Lagos, especially in gated estates previously considered secure.

The police say the syndicate exploited trust in security systems, raising fresh concerns about identity verification and estate safety protocols.

Residents are now being urged to adopt stricter verification processes before granting access to anyone claiming to be security personnel.

Police advisory to residents

The police advised estate managers and residents to verify all security operatives through Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) before granting entry.

“Where there is any doubt, such persons should immediately be referred to the nearest police division,” Jimoh said.

Residents are also encouraged to report suspicious activities or request verification through the Lagos State Police Command emergency lines:

07061019374

08065154338

08063299264

08039344870

“Together, through vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting, the safety and security of all communities in Lagos State will be strengthened,” the commissioner added.

What’s next

The suspects are expected to be charged in court, with police indicating that the use of a fake firearm could attract armed robbery charges under Nigerian law.

Investigations continue as authorities seek to dismantle the wider network behind the operation.

The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested several suspects, including a suspected drug baron and an alleged cultist, in separate operations targeting crime in Asaba and Warri.

The police said the raids led to the recovery of illicit drugs and a locally made firearm, as part of what it described as a renewed push for “proactive policing” across the state.

Raid on drug hideout in Asaba

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives carried out a joint operation on 17 March in collaboration with a local vigilante group in Ibusa, near Asab

The team stormed a residence at the Power Line axis, allegedly linked to a woman known as “Madam Do Good”, described by police as a suspected drug baron.

Officers said they recovered substances suspected to include methamphetamine (“ice”), cannabis, tramadol, and other synthetic drugs.

Seven suspects were arrested during the operation, including Faith Uyaterimo, Peter Nnamani, Paul Nnamani, and Abuchi Miracle.

“Suspects and exhibits are in custody while the investigation is ongoing,” the police spokesperson said.

Arrest of suspected cultist in Warri

In a separate operation on 19 March, police in Warri arrested an 18-year-old suspect, identified as Ovie Ejeh, following intelligence reports of suspicious activity near Wangwe College.

Officers from Ekpan Police Station said they recovered a locally fabricated single-barrel gun and two live cartridges from the suspect.

Police added that the suspect confessed to being a member of a cult group during interrogation.

Why it matters

Authorities say the operations reflect growing concern over the spread of illicit drugs and cult-related violence in parts of Delta State.

Drug abuse has been linked by security agencies and health experts to rising crime rates, particularly among young people.

The police say targeting supply networks and local distributors is key to reducing both drug use and related criminal activity.

Police strategy: ‘Proactive policing’

The Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, has directed divisional police officers and tactical units to adopt intelligence-led policing strategies.

“Drug dealers will be fished out of their place of abode, arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement said.

Police say investigations into the arrests are ongoing, and more suspects may be identified.

Industry and public perspective

Security analysts say coordinated operations involving local vigilantes reflect a broader shift towards community-based policing in Nigeria.

What’s next

Police say all suspects remain in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are completed.

Authorities have also signalled plans to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering across Delta State.

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency has intercepted large consignments of opioids and methamphetamine concealed in unusual items, including body creams and winter jackets, at Lagos airport.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the seizures were part of a wider crackdown that also led to arrests and drug recoveries across several states.

Smuggling attempts foiled at Lagos airport

At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, operatives arrested two suspects attempting to traffic drugs to Italy.

One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted on 20 March while trying to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome.

NDLEA said 2,698 pills of tramadol were hidden inside containers of skin-lightening cream in his luggage.

“He confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded,” the agency said.

In a separate operation on 18 March, another passenger, Christian Agbonhese, was stopped while attempting to travel to Milan via Lufthansa Airlines.

Officials said they recovered 28,470 pills of opioids concealed inside two large winter jackets.

Courier firm bust and international links

NDLEA also uncovered drug shipments linked to international routes at a Lagos courier facility.

Operatives seized 1kg of a strong strain of cannabis, known as “Loud”, shipped from the United States.

They also intercepted 158 grams of methamphetamine hidden in carton walls and bound for New Zealand.

Nationwide raids uncover large consignments

Beyond Lagos, NDLEA reported major seizures across multiple states.

In Kano, two suspects were arrested with a combined 198kg of skunk, a potent cannabis strain.

In Lagos, more than 21,000 bottles of codeine-based syrup were recovered from a store in the Ijora area, while two other suspects were arrested with 8,380 bottles on a bridge in the city.

In Edo State, nearly 100kg of skunk was found in a suspect’s home.

Drug haul on highways and transport routes

In the Federal Capital Territory, officers intercepted a commercial bus along the Gwagwalada expressway and discovered 91,840 tramadol pills hidden in its compartments. The driver was arrested.

In Kaduna, authorities seized over 586,000 pills of tramadol and other opioids along the Kaduna–Zaria highway.

Similarly, in Taraba, a suspect was arrested while transporting more than 77,000 tramadol capsules.

In Adamawa, six people were detained after NDLEA uncovered 82.8kg of tramadol in a truck in Yola.

Cross-border trafficking concerns

In Oyo State, a suspect was arrested with 71.2kg of skunk allegedly smuggled into Nigeria through a river route from Benin Republic.

The agency said the arrests highlight persistent cross-border trafficking networks targeting Nigeria as both a transit and destination country.

Why it matters

Nigeria remains a key hub in global drug trafficking routes, with opioids such as tramadol widely abused and linked to public health concerns.

The NDLEA said traffickers are increasingly using creative concealment methods to evade detection, raising concerns for aviation security and international drug control efforts.

Prevention and public awareness

Alongside enforcement, the agency said it continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign in schools, workplaces and communities nationwide.

Recent sensitisation programmes were held in states including Ebonyi, Lagos, Cross River, Enugu and Ogun.

What officials are saying

Chairman of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations.

He urged personnel “to continue with the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.”

What’s next

Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and strengthen border controls.

Further arrests and prosecutions are expected as the agency tracks supply chains and international connections.