The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended a recently released ex-convict and two other suspected thieves for their involvement in multiple theft-related offences across the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested 25-year-old ex-convict, Segun Kolawole, just five days after his release from the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, alongside two other suspects — Sodiq Isa and Adekanmbi Ganiu.

According to the statement, Kolawole was arrested around 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Oshodi Market after RRS operatives observed his suspicious movements.

A search conducted on him led to the recovery of ₦80,000 and an Infinix Note 40 Pro smartphone, both linked to a burglary incident in Opebi, where he allegedly stole ₦200,000 and the phone from a sleeping trader.

Further investigations revealed that the ex-convict had already spent part of the stolen cash to buy new clothes and shoes, which were also recovered.

In a separate operation around 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025, RRS operatives arrested Isa and Ganiu while attempting to steal mobile phones from unsuspecting commuters at different locations in Lagos.

Preliminary investigations showed that the duo specialise in snatching phones and wallets during rush hours, particularly in heavy traffic or while victims are boarding commercial vehicles.

The timely intervention of the officers prevented further incidents, and all recovered items have since been returned to their owners.

According to the police, the three suspects are currently in lawful custody at the RRS Headquarters, where further investigations are ongoing.

Upon completion of the investigations, they will be charged to court for prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Moshood Jimoh, praised the RRS team for their professionalism and vigilance, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive crime prevention to ensure the safety of residents across the state.