Operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, popularly known as the Lagos State Taskforce, have arrested three men allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box of a Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) operational vehicle in Oshodi.

The suspects were apprehended on Sunday at the VIS office located within the Lagos State Taskforce headquarters, Safety Arena, Oshodi.

The suspects were identified as Kazim Iyiola, also known as Sabela, 46; Mohammed Rabiu; and Alhaji Musa Saleh, 56.

The taskforce said a fourth suspect, identified as Tony, who allegedly receives stolen vehicle components, escaped and remained at large.

According to the agency, the suspects were caught while allegedly attempting to remove the brain-box from a Toyota Hilux vehicle operated by the VIS.

The arrests followed complaints received by the taskforce over the alleged disappearance of vehicle components from vehicles parked within the Safety Arena.

Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, said the reported thefts involved batteries, spare tyres, jacks and other vehicle parts.

Akerele said the complaints indicated that some individuals allegedly posed as mechanics while targeting vehicles that remained parked for extended periods.

“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.

He said the suspects would face prosecution if investigations established their involvement in the alleged offences.

Akerele warned individuals involved in the theft and resale of vehicle components that the taskforce would intensify efforts to dismantle such activities across the state.

He also appealed to residents to report suspicious activities through the agency’s official channels to facilitate prompt intervention.

During interrogation, Iyiola reportedly told investigators that the group targeted vehicles that remained stationary for long periods.

He allegedly disclosed that some of the stolen brain-boxes were sold to a motor-parts dealer identified as Tony, who the taskforce said was currently at large.

Iyiola was also reported to have admitted that the group had previously removed vehicle components from parked vehicles in the area.

“We mostly target stationary vehicles. On a good day, we remove two to three brain-boxes,” he was quoted as saying.

The taskforce said investigations were continuing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged activities and track down the fleeing suspect.

It added that the three arrested suspects remained in custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.