The Lagos Taskforce has arrested three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in the theft of vehicle components from parked vehicles across parts of the state.
The suspects were apprehended at the Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, in Oshodi while allegedly attempting to remove the brainbox of a Toyota Hilux belonging to the agency and used for official operations.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, also known as the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan.
According to Akerele, the arrest followed complaints from agencies operating within the Safety Arena over the repeated disappearance of vehicle components, including batteries, brain-boxes, spare tyres and jacks.
The Lagos Taskforce said it launched surveillance operations after receiving reports suggesting that criminals were targeting vehicles that remained unattended for extended periods.
Akerele explained that the suspects were allegedly monitored before operatives moved in and arrested them at the VIO premises in Oshodi.
A fourth suspect, identified only as Tony, is still at large. Authorities allege that Tony plays a role in receiving and disposing of stolen vehicle components.
Preliminary investigations, according to the task force, indicate that the syndicate allegedly targeted vehicles parked for several hours in garages, residential compounds and other locations where owners or operators were unlikely to immediately notice the removal of parts.
The Lagos Taskforce said the investigation was prompted by a pattern of reported thefts involving valuable vehicle components.
Among the items allegedly targeted were brain-boxes, batteries, spare tyres and jacks. Brain-boxes, commonly referring to a vehicle’s electronic control unit, can be expensive to replace depending on the vehicle model. Their theft can render a vehicle inoperable and leave owners facing significant repair and replacement costs.
Akerele said one of the arrested suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation that the group specialized in removing brain-boxes and other vehicle components.
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According to the chairman, the suspect claimed the syndicate could remove two or three brain-boxes on a good day before selling them to buyers.
The suspect also allegedly told investigators that brain-boxes stolen from vehicles in the area in September 2025 were sold to Tony for N70,000.
The investigation reportedly expanded after one of the suspects allegedly implicated the other two members of the group.
Akerele said the suspects had initially claimed to operate a scrap-metal business but were unable to substantiate the claim during questioning.
The alleged inconsistencies in their explanations reportedly contributed to the decision to investigate their activities further.
The authorities have not disclosed the identities of the three arrested suspects, and the allegations against them remain subject to the ongoing investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
The Lagos Taskforce said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law once investigations have been completed. While three suspects are now in custody, investigators are continuing efforts to locate the fourth suspect, Tony.
The task force alleges that Tony was involved in receiving stolen vehicle components. His reported role has become an important part of the investigation as authorities attempt to establish the wider network allegedly responsible for the theft and resale of vehicle parts.
The case also highlights the growing concern over the theft of vehicle components, particularly parts that can be quickly removed and sold through informal markets.
Vehicle owners can suffer substantial financial losses from such crimes, while the theft of electronic components can leave vehicles immobilized.
Akerele warned individuals involved in stealing or trading stolen vehicle components to stop the practice or face legal consequences.
He said the agency would continue working to protect vehicle owners and prevent criminal networks from operating in the state.
“The task force will not relent in protecting vehicle owners from criminal elements specializing in the theft of vehicle parts,” Akerele said.
The Lagos Taskforce also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around parked vehicles, garages and residential compounds.
The agency said information from members of the public could help security and enforcement personnel identify suspects and prevent further incidents.
The development comes as authorities continue efforts to strengthen public safety and tackle organized criminal activities across Lagos.
For vehicle owners, the arrests could provide some relief amid concerns over the increasing vulnerability of parked vehicles to component theft. However, the authorities’ ability to trace the alleged stolen parts and identify other members of the suspected network will be important in determining the full extent of the operation.
The Lagos Taskforce has assured residents that investigations will continue and that anyone found to have participated in the alleged theft or trading of stolen vehicle components will face the appropriate legal process.
NAN
