By Adesakin Adefemi
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly stealing a police officer’s bag and using the uniform to impersonate a security operative.
The command disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle Tuesday, saying the suspect stole a camouflage uniform, warrant card, mobile phone, ATM card and other personal belongings belonging to a police officer.
According to the statement, the suspect later wore the stolen camouflage uniform in an attempt to pose as a genuine police officer around the metropolis.
However, vigilant residents became suspicious after observing that his behaviour and mannerisms were inconsistent with those of a real officer.
“The suspect subsequently wore the stolen camouflage uniform in an attempt to impersonate a police officer. However, vigilant passersby became suspicious after noticing that his behaviour and mannerisms were inconsistent with those of a genuine officer,” the command stated.
The residents reportedly questioned him, discovered he was an impostor, and handed him over to the police for further investigation.
Police said the suspect is currently in custody and investigations are ongoing. He will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.
The command commended the vigilance and civic responsibility of the residents, saying their action demonstrated the effectiveness of its “See Something, Say Something” campaign and the importance of public participation in security.
Lagos Police also condemned all forms of jungle justice, stressing that the law does not permit individuals to take the law into their own hands. It urged the public to hand over suspected offenders to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation and prosecution while remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious persons and activities.
