Lagos Taskforce arrests three over alleged attempt to steal VIO vehicle’s brain-box

Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as the Taskforce, has arrested three men suspected of belonging to a syndicate involved in the theft of vehicle components from parked cars.

The Chairman of the Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Abdulraheem Gbadeyan.

According to Akerele, the suspects were apprehended at the Vehicle Inspection Office, VIO, facility in Oshodi while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux.

He said the vehicle belonged to the VIO and was being used for official duties when the suspects were caught.

Akerele also disclosed that a fourth suspect, identified only as Tony, was still at large. He alleged that Tony was responsible for receiving stolen vehicle components.

The chairman said the suspects had been placed under surveillance after the Taskforce received complaints from government agencies operating within the Safety Arena over the disappearance of vehicle parts.

“Following complaints involving the theft of batteries, brain boxes, spare tyres, jacks and other essential vehicle components, I deployed strategies to track down the suspects,” he said.

Akerele explained that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly focused on vehicles that remained unattended for extended periods in garages and residential compounds.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects targeted vehicles that remained stationary for several hours in garages and compounds,” he stated.

One of the suspects, according to the chairman, confessed during questioning that the group specialised in stealing brain-boxes and other vehicle components.

The suspect reportedly told investigators that the gang could remove two or three brain-boxes in a day when operations went as planned before selling the stolen items.

Akerele said investigations further revealed that brain-boxes allegedly stolen from vehicles in the area in September 2025 were sold to Tony for N70,000.

He added that the suspect subsequently identified the two other detainees after they were unable to substantiate their claim that they were engaged in scrap-metal trading.

The Taskforce chairman assured that the suspects would face prosecution after the completion of investigations.

He also warned individuals involved in the theft or purchase of stolen vehicle components to stop the practice or risk prosecution.

“The Taskforce will not relent in protecting vehicle owners from criminal elements specialising in the theft of vehicle parts,” Akerele said.

Akerele urged residents to promptly report suspicious activities through the Taskforce’s official feedback channels to enable authorities to respond quickly.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting residents and maintaining public safety, stressing that criminal activities would not be tolerated across Lagos.