‘How we broke into shops to steal’
Members of a three-man armed robbery gang that the Lagos police alleged specialized in breaking into shops to steal goods have narrated how they were carrying out their operations. The suspects – Isa Seidu, 21; Tairu Melaye, 25; and 43-year-old Lucky Chukwudi – were arrested on Friday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) […]
Members of a three-man armed robbery gang that the Lagos police alleged specialized in breaking into shops to steal goods have narrated how they were carrying out their operations.
The suspects – Isa Seidu, 21; Tairu Melaye, 25; and 43-year-old Lucky Chukwudi – were arrested on Friday by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) soon after they allegedly broke into a shop on the Lagos Island.
Chukwudi, described as the leader of the gang, confessed they operated based on information supplied by employees of the shop owners.
“We are not magicians. We work based on intelligence report given to us usually by insiders. It is the insiders who tell us when to strike and from where to access the intended shop.
“We strike once we are sure of the quality of the goods and the quantity. After we rob, we would proceed to look for buyers. Traders are always looking for how to make quick money. Many boutique owners stock their shops with stolen goods,” the suspect said.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Hakeem Odumosu, said a source informed the police that a gang of notorious burglars had been breaking into business facilities like phone shops and boutiques at the Balogun market, Lagos Island and Ajah, among other places.
“He said that on receipt of the information, RRS men were drafted to closely monitor the areas.
“The exercise paid off as at about 2am last Friday, the suspects, comprising Seidu, Melaye and Chukwudi, were arrested while breaking into a shop at the Balogun market, Lagos Island.
“Items recovered from the suspects included 97 pairs of shoes, seven fabrics, children’s wears and ladies’ bags. The suspects confessed to have burgled many shops. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang,” he added.