Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit, popularly known as the Taskforce, have arrested three suspected members of a syndicate allegedly involved in stealing vehicle parts, particularly brain-boxes and other accessories.
The suspects were identified as 46-year-old Kazzim Iyiola, also known as Sabela; Mohammed Rabiu; and 56-year-old Alhaji Musa Saleh.
They were reportedly arrested at the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Oshodi while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux vehicle operated by the VIO.
A fourth suspect, identified as Tony, a motor-parts dealer allegedly responsible for receiving stolen vehicle components, is said to be at large.
According to the Taskforce, Iyiola, who resides in Marine Beach, Apapa, and Rabiu, from Alaba Oro, Amukoko, were among those apprehended. Saleh, a trailer driver from Kano who also resides in Marine Beach, was also arrested.
The Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following repeated complaints about the disappearance of vehicle parts from parked vehicles within the Safety Arena.
Akerele said the complaints involved the alleged theft of batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other vehicle components.
“I received complaints from top management and staff alleging that men posing as motor mechanics were disappearing with vehicle parts. I immediately put strategies in place to track them down,” he said.
During interrogation, Iyiola reportedly admitted that the alleged syndicate targeted vehicles that remained stationary for several hours in garages and compounds.
He also allegedly confessed to previous thefts of vehicle brain-boxes, claiming that some removed from vehicles within the area in September 2025 were sold to the motor-parts dealer identified as Tony for ₦70,000.
“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes. Occasionally, we also target vehicles parked at owners’ risk,” he reportedly said.
The other two suspects initially claimed to have worked together as a driver and mechanic at Marine Beach before venturing into the sale of iron scraps. However, the Taskforce said they became unsettled when asked to provide evidence of their alleged scrap-metal business transactions.
Iyiola subsequently implicated Rabiu and Saleh in the alleged criminal activities, according to the Taskforce.
Akerele said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law, adding that the arrests should serve as a warning to individuals involved in the theft and resale of vehicle components.
He said the Taskforce would continue its efforts to protect vehicle owners from criminals targeting brain-boxes, batteries, tyres, jacks, trafficators, lights and other essential vehicle parts.
The Taskforce chairman also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the agency’s official feedback channels.
“There is no room for criminality in Lagos State,” he emphasised.
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