Several vehicle owners gathered at the Lagos State Police Command headquarters in Ikeja on Monday after the police displayed 43 cars recovered during various operations across the state in September.
The recovery attracted victims of vehicle theft and their relatives, who searched through the vehicles at the command’s parade ground in hopes of finding their missing cars.
The display followed a briefing by the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Olayiwola Fatai, who presented the command’s security achievements for the month.
CP Fatai said 32 suspects were arrested for offences including armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and other violent crimes.
He said the operations also led to the recovery of five pump-action guns, five locally fabricated pistols, 20 live ammunition and cartridges, 15 expended ammunition, N2.5 million cash, vandalised electrical cables, two vehicle keys and other exhibits.
As victims inspected the recovered vehicles, many checked registration numbers, chassis details, colours and other distinctive features to establish ownership.
The search triggered emotional moments, with some vehicle owners expressing disbelief after locating cars they had reportedly lost to criminals.
A man who declined to disclose his name said his Toyota Camry was stolen at gunpoint in Surulere in September.
“I never thought I would see it again. I filed a report at the division and gave up hope. I rushed down here immediately a friend told me the police recovered many vehicles,” he said.
A woman also broke down in tears after identifying her Honda Accord, which she said was taken from a church premises in Yaba.
According to police sources, investigations indicated that some of the vehicles had been stolen during robbery operations and were being prepared for resale with fraudulent documents.
Others were reportedly being stripped of valuable components for sale as spare parts. The recovery of vehicle parts, tools, a car jack and a radiator further pointed to the activities of suspected vehicle theft and dismantling networks.
The command urged anyone whose vehicle was among the recovered exhibits to approach the police for verification.
Prospective claimants are expected to provide original registration documents, evidence of the initial theft report and valid identification before the vehicles can be released.
CP Fatai said the command would continue its intelligence-driven operations against vehicle theft and other criminal activities across Lagos.
He also advised residents to report vehicle theft immediately, install tracking devices and provide useful information to the police to support investigations and recovery efforts.
