CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Operatives of the Idimu Division of the Lagos State Police Command have foiled an armed robbery operation, recovered two vehicles and handed them over to their rightful owners.
The incident occurred on 24th September, 2026, at about 2:00 am, when suspected armed robbers snatched an unregistered black Mercedes Benz ML 350 at Council bus stop in Idimu, Lagos State.
According to police sources, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, CSP Waheed Adebesi, received a distress call from the owner of the Mercedes Benz shortly after the attack. The owner informed the police that robbers operating in a black Toyota Camry with registration number LSD 3322 had blocked him at Council bus stop, Idimu, dispossessed him of his Mercedes Benz at gunpoint, and fled with it.
Unknown to the robbers, the Mercedes Benz was fitted with a tracker. The owner promptly notified the DPO and provided tracking support.
CSP Adebesi was said to have immediately mobilized officers on night duty, and using the tracker, the police team tracked the stolen Mercedes Benz to Isuti Road in Igando where the suspects had driven to.
Police sources said the officers pursued the suspects, and upon realizing that the police were closing in on them, the robbers abandoned the snatched Mercedes Benz and the Toyota Camry they used for the operation, jumped out and fled into the surrounding area to evade arrest.
The police successfully recovered the unregistered black Mercedes Benz ML 350 and the black Toyota Camry with registration number LSD 3322 which they used to snatch the Mercedes Benz at Council bus stop in Idimu. Also recovered were two expensive mobile phones and a tablet pad found in the vehicles.
The recovered vehicles have since been handed over to their respective owners by the police after proper identification and verification of ownership documents.
The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, of the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the report, describing the recovery as a product of swift response, effective use of technology, and synergy between the police and the victim.
The PPRO reiterated the command’s commitment to leveraging technology in crime fighting and urged vehicle owners to install trackers as a proactive security measure.
The gallant action has attracted widespread commendation from residents of Idimu, Igando and environs, who praised the DPO and his officers for their prompt mobilization in the middle of the night.
Residents particularly commended CSP Waheed Adebesi for his leadership and rapid response, noting that his decision to immediately deploy officers and utilize the tracker was decisive in the recovery.
They also praised the officers on duty for their bravery in pursuing the armed suspects at night, saying the feat has restored public confidence in policing in the area.
Security experts say the case highlights the importance of vehicle trackers in the recovery of stolen vehicles, noting that many recent recoveries in Lagos have been aided by tracking devices.
They advised car owners, especially owners of high-value vehicles such as Mercedes Benz, to install reliable trackers and ensure they are active at all times.
The police have advised motorists to remain vigilant while driving at night, avoid stopping in isolated areas, and to immediately contact the nearest police station in case of attack.
The command also appealed to members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects to volunteer such information, assuring confidentiality.
Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the robbery gang, while the police say patrols have been intensified in Idimu, Council, Isuti Road and adjoining communities to deter further criminal activities.