Police launch manhunt as robbers seize Mercedes-Benz at gunpoint in Lagos

Police have launched a manhunt after robbers hijacked a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 at gunpoint on Akin-Olugbade street, Victoria Island, Lagos, in the early hours of Saturday.

The black luxury SUV, with registration number WTO 21 AM, was reportedly taken around midnight by four armed men who forced the driver out before speeding off.

Eyewitnesses said the robbers fired a warning shot into the air to scare away passersby and completed the operation within minutes.

The vehicle, bearing Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 4JGFB4FB8SB274117, was last seen heading towards the Ozumba Mbadiwe axis.

The driver sustained minor injuries after resisting the attackers, according to witnesses who described the incident as “frightening and swift”.

A senior police officer from the Victoria Island division confirmed the robbery, saying a full-scale manhunt has been launched to recover the car.

“The Lagos State Police Command has activated joint patrol operations involving anti-robbery, surveillance, and intelligence teams. All exit routes from Victoria Island have been placed under close monitoring,” the officer said.

The stolen SUV is a black metallic 2025 model Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 with factory-fitted tinted windows, brown leather interior, LED headlamps, AMG alloy wheels, and a chrome front grille.

Police have urged the public, car dealers, and mechanics to look out for any vehicle matching the description and report to the nearest station or via emergency hotlines 112 and 767.

The Lagos police command assured that investigations are ongoing and that efforts were being intensified to recover the stolen vehicle and apprehend the perpetrators.