Criminals masquerading as street traders are increasingly targeting motorists in Lagos traffic, the Nigeria Police Force has warned, following the arrest of four suspected robbers caught preying on stranded passengers.
The suspects—Kadir Ibrahim, Ifeanyin John, Oduwole Shola, and Rilwan Olajuwon—were intercepted on February 7 while attempting to rob passengers of a broken-down vehicle at Ascon White Sand, Orile Iganmu.
Police say the gang blended in with street vendors before striking, a tactic that has become a growing security concern.
“These criminals pose as hawkers, waiting for the right moment to attack unsuspecting commuters caught in traffic,” the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement.
“We urge citizens to remain alert and avoid unnecessary engagements with roadside vendors in high-risk areas.”
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Traffic robberies have become a persistent issue in Lagos, particularly in gridlocked areas where criminals take advantage of immobile vehicles.
Victims often lose phones, wallets, and other valuables in quick snatch-and-run operations. Some incidents turn violent when victims resist.
Residents have called for stronger security measures, with some urging authorities to regulate street trading near major expressways.
“We need more patrols and enforcement,” said John Akande, a motorist who regularly commutes through Orile. “It’s hard to tell who is selling and who is scouting for victims.”
The police assured the public that surveillance efforts are being intensified to curb the menace.
Officers have also been instructed to profile street traders in notorious hotspots to separate genuine vendors from criminals exploiting the system.
While the four suspects remain in custody, investigations are ongoing to uncover potential accomplices and prevent further attacks.
The police urged Lagosians to report suspicious activity and exercise caution, particularly in congested areas prone to such incidents.
