Thieves mock RRS: Cart away Brain Box, gadgets from Commander’s vehicle at Headquarters

Jejeloye and his vandalised vehicle

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

In an incident that has left many stunned, the once-thought impenetrable Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) headquarters was brazenly breached, with the Hilux of the RRS Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, falling victim to daring vandals.

The shocking episode unfolded on the night of Sunday, 15 December, leaving officers astounded as they awoke the following morning to discover the commander’s Toyota Hilux vandalised.

The audacious culprits shattered the windscreen, stole the brain box, and carted off other valuable gadgets—right under the noses of armed policemen stationed at the premises.

This incident has plunged the RRS into a storm of embarrassment and disbelief. How could such a meticulously orchestrated theft take place in the heart of an elite security unit’s headquarters, where vigilant officers are supposedly keeping watch?

The situation has fuelled speculation and sparked public outrage. Some insiders whisper that this may not have been a random act, hinting at possible foul play or even an insider conspiracy.

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Where were the officers on duty when the thieves struck? Why weren’t the CCTV cameras operational? These questions have left many wondering if the RRS is losing its grip on its own territory.

To add salt to the wound, the incident has raised serious concerns about the agency’s credibility. If the RRS, famed for its crime-busting exploits, cannot secure its commander’s vehicle within its headquarters, how can it assure the safety of the wider Lagos State Government Secretariat, where hundreds of vehicles remain overnight?

Sources have suggested that the attack might have been a targeted affront to CSP Jejeloye, possibly by disgruntled officers unhappy with his leadership style. Others see it as a wake-up call for the agency to refocus on its core mandate.

Adding to the controversy is the criticism of the RRS for overstepping its bounds by conducting raids on commercial motorcyclists—a task traditionally handled by the Lagos State Taskforce. Many see this as a misguided priority, with some pointing fingers at Jejeloye’s legacy as a former Taskforce chairman.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the thieves have sent a resounding message, mocking the very institution meant to strike fear into criminals’ hearts. The irony is stark—the “catchers of thieves” caught off guard by thieves in their own backyard.

This incident not only leaves a dent in the RRS’s reputation but also raises an urgent call for introspection and reform. For now, the disquiet lingers, and Lagosians wait to see how the RRS will bounce back from this embarrassment.