In an incident that has left many stunned, the once-thought impenetrable Lagos State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) headquarters was recently breached, with the Toyota Hilux of the Commander, CSP Shola Jejeloye, falling victim to daring vandals.
The shocking event left officers astounded as they woke the following morning to discover the commander’s official vehicle was vandalised.
The audacious culprits shattered the windscreen, stole the brain box, and carted away other valuable gadgets—right under the noses of armed policemen stationed at the premises.
This incident has plunged the RRS into an 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 say that this may not have been a random act, hinting at possible foul play or even an insider conspiracy.
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.
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 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.