The Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command in Onikan, Lagos, has arrested three suspected members of a motorcycle theft gang operating across Lagos and Ogun States, following a coordinated security operation.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued in Lagos by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, and signed by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Gbenga Afolayan.
According to the police, five suspected stolen motorcycles were also recovered during the operation carried out by its tactical team.
The AIG said the breakthrough came after a detailed investigation into a group believed to be responsible for stealing motorcycles in parts of Ogun State, especially Sagamu and Ijebu Ode.
He explained that the operation was launched after a formal complaint was submitted to the command on April 12, reporting the activities of the criminal network.
Investigations reportedly showed that the suspects stole motorcycles from Sagamu and Ijebu Ode and later sold them in areas such as Ogere, Ojodu Berger, Mushin, and other locations within and outside the state.
Police operatives from the Zone 2 “Dragon Team” were said to have carried out surveillance and intelligence gathering before tracking the suspects.
On May 19, officers laid an ambush around the Sagamu Interchange, where three suspects aged 26, 29, and 48 were arrested.
Preliminary findings revealed that the gang, working with two others still on the run, usually operated between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., targeting parked motorcycles.
The suspects were also said to tow away motorcycles, force open the steering locks, and tamper with wiring systems to start the engines.
The stolen bikes were allegedly handed over to receivers around the Sagamu Interchange area for resale.
Items recovered include three unregistered Bajaj Boxer motorcycles, one unregistered Daylong motorcycle, and one unregistered Lifan motorcycle.
The police further revealed that the gang may have stolen and sold about 50 motorcycles across the Sagamu and Ijebu Ode axis before their arrest.
Efforts are still ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate based on information obtained during interrogation.
The AIG ordered intensified operations to arrest the remaining suspects and ensure they are prosecuted after investigations are completed.