A wave of tension rippled through Victoria Island, Lagos, in the early hours of Saturday after armed robbers hijacked a black 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 at gunpoint, forcing the driver out before fleeing the scene. The incident, which occurred on Akin-Olugbade Street — one of the high-end corridors of Lagos known for its nightlife and quiet affluence — has triggered a full-scale police manhunt across the state.
The luxury SUV, identified by registration number WTO 21 AM, was reportedly taken around midnight by four armed men who intercepted the vehicle near a junction. Eyewitnesses recounted that the robbers moved with chilling precision — blocking the car, firing a warning shot into the air, and pulling the driver out before speeding off into the night.
The sound of gunfire shattered the uneasy calm of the usually secure neighborhood, forcing passersby and nearby residents to duck for safety. “They fired a warning shot into the air to scare away passersby and completed the operation within minutes,” one witness said, describing the scene as “frightening and swift.”
According to reports, the stolen SUV, bearing Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) 4JGFB4FB8SB274117, was last seen heading toward the Ozumba Mbadiwe axis, a major exit route that connects Victoria Island to other parts of Lagos. The robbers, believed to have been familiar with the terrain, disappeared within minutes of the attack.
The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries after reportedly resisting the attackers. Witnesses said he was hit during the brief confrontation before the armed men took control of the vehicle. He was later assisted by bystanders and rushed to safety as security operatives were alerted.
Confirming the incident, a senior police officer from the Victoria Island Division said the Lagos State Police Command had already launched a manhunt for the suspects.
“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 Police are reportedly relying on CCTV footage from nearby buildings and street cameras to trace the movement of the stolen SUV, as Victoria Island is covered by several private and state-operated surveillance systems. Security teams are also believed to be coordinating with the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) to intercept any attempt to move the vehicle out of Lagos.
The stolen vehicle is a black metallic 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, equipped with factory-fitted tinted windows, brown leather interior, LED headlamps, AMG alloy wheels, and a chrome front grille — a combination that makes it both distinctive and easily recognizable. The model is one of the most recent luxury releases by Mercedes-Benz, valued at over ₦120 million in the Nigerian market, depending on customization.
