OGUN POLICE TIGHTEN NET ON CRIME, ARREST SEVEN AS STOLEN VEHICLE, FIREARMS, CASH ARE RECOVERED

OGUN POLICE TIGHTEN NET ON CRIME, ARREST SEVEN AS STOLEN VEHICLE, FIREARMS, CASH ARE RECOVERED

By Jennifer Nwosu 

A sweeping series of intelligence-led operations across Ogun State has dealt another significant blow to organized crime, with police arresting seven suspects linked to armed robbery, one-chance robbery, cultism, illegal possession of firearms, vehicle theft and fraud. The coordinated raids, carried out across Ilaro, Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan and Ode-Remo, also led to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms, a Toyota Camry allegedly used by a one-chance robbery syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop, two expended cartridges, three power banks, a rechargeable touch light and ₦1.1 million traced to an alleged travel fraud scheme.

In a statement released by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B.Babaseyi, the latest operations reinforce the Ogun State Police Command's intelligence-driven campaign against crime under the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, whose strategy continues to focus on dismantling criminal networks before they gain ground.

One of the biggest breakthroughs came in Ilaro, where officers intercepted a Toyota Venza during a routine stop-and-search operation. Occupants Bola Salau, 42, and Segun Balogun, 25, failed to explain ownership of the vehicle, while detectives later confirmed it had been stolen during a violent robbery at a residence in Ede, Osun State. The vehicle has since been recovered as investigations continue to identify other members of the gang.

In Ibafo, detectives dismantled a suspected one-chance robbery syndicate after tracing two suspects, Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye, to a hotel in Magboro following a victim's complaint. Police recovered a Toyota Camry allegedly used during the robbery, while the complainant positively identified the suspects. Efforts are underway to apprehend additional members of the syndicate.

Another operation in Mowe led to the arrest of Ankpa James, who allegedly obtained ₦1,276,000 from a young victim with promises of securing travel to Luxembourg. Detectives recovered ₦1.1 million, which has already been released to the complainant on bond, while prosecution is expected after investigations.

At Adatan, a joint security operation resulted in the arrest of Tunde Ogunseye, 41, who allegedly attempted to confront officers with a locally fabricated pistol before being overpowered. A second locally made firearm was recovered from his residence, while preliminary findings linked him to the Eiye confraternity and suspected illicit drug activities. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Police also disrupted an armed robbery targeting students in Ode-Remo after patrol teams and local vigilantes responded swiftly to a distress call. The suspects fled into nearby bushes, abandoning a Dane gun, two expended cartridges, an HP EliteBook laptop, 17 stolen mobile phones, clothing items and other personal belongings believed to have been stolen from victims. A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Owodunni Seun, 36, a suspected repeat offender, who is assisting investigators as efforts continue to track down the fleeing gang members.

CP Bode Ojajuni commended the professionalism and courage displayed by officers involved in the operations, reaffirming the Command's commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and strong inter-agency collaboration to keep Ogun State safe.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information. For emergencies or to report suspicious activities, the Ogun State Police Command can be reached through the Gateway Shield Toll-Free Line: 0800 000 9111, or the emergency numbers 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.