Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two suspected members of a robbery syndicate and recovered an operational tricycle allegedly used in carrying out attacks on unsuspecting passengers across parts of Lagos State.
The arrests followed a routine stop-and-search operation conducted along Iyana Ipaja Road, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi.
The police said officers intercepted a tricycle carrying three occupants during the operation.
According to the statement, suspicion was raised after one of the passengers was found in possession of three Android phones believed to have been stolen from victims.
“While the search was ongoing, the tricycle rider suddenly zoomed off, abandoning the other occupants at the scene,” the Command stated.
One of the abandoned passengers, identified as Ademola Ibrahim, was immediately arrested.
During interrogation, Ibrahim allegedly confessed to being a member of a robbery syndicate popularly known as “One Chance,” which specialises in robbing commuters along routes including Idimu, Iyana-Ipaja, Egbeda, and Dopemu.
The police said the suspect’s confession led to a follow-up operation that resulted in the arrest of the fleeing tricycle rider, identified as 26-year-old Raheem Lawal.
Authorities also recovered the operational tricycle allegedly used by the syndicate, bearing registration number SMK 309 QP.
According to the police, two victims who had earlier reported similar robbery incidents along the same axis later identified the suspects and recognised some of the recovered phones as their stolen property.
The Command said investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network.
“Efforts are being intensified to dismantle the network and bring all those involved to justice,” the statement added.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing and sustained operations against criminal activities across the state.
Reacting to the arrests, Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to combat robbery and violent crimes in Lagos.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
The Commissioner further advised members of the public to stay calm and cooperative during stop-and-search operations conducted by security personnel.
