OGUN POLICE TIGHTEN PREVENTIVE SECURITY NET, SANCTION 89 VEHICLES, FRUSTRATE ARMED ROBBERY OPERATIONS

OGUN POLICE TIGHTEN PREVENTIVE SECURITY NET, SANCTION 89 VEHICLES, FRUSTRATE ARMED ROBBERY OPERATIONS 

By Jennifer Nwosu 

The familiar rhythm of policing in Ogun State has taken on a sharper cadence. Beyond chasing criminals after offences are committed, the Ogun State Police Command is increasingly focusing on prevention—combining intelligence, visibility patrols and strategic enforcement to close the gaps criminals often exploit. The latest statewide operations produced a broad sweep of results, from enforcing vehicle registration laws to disrupting robbery incidents and recovering stolen property, underscoring a policing model that places equal emphasis on deterrence and swift intervention.

According to a statement released by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the Command's latest coordinated operations reflect a deliberate strategy of intelligence-led and community-responsive policing. Beyond recovering stolen property and arresting suspects, the exercise reinforced compliance with the nationwide directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, against vehicles operating without registration plates or with concealed, altered or obscured number plates, a measure designed to strengthen public safety and improve the traceability of vehicles across the state.

At the centre of the operation was a statewide enforcement exercise ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, directing Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to intensify checks on unregistered or improperly registered vehicles. The operation resulted in the interception of 89 vehicles, with drivers subjected to appropriate administrative and legal procedures, including prosecution where necessary. Police authorities say the initiative is intended to eliminate the anonymity frequently exploited by criminal elements and improve intelligence gathering during investigations.

The enforcement campaign was matched by operational successes on the crime-fighting front. In Ogere Remo, officers of the Ogere Division, working alongside the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, community vigilantes and local residents, responded swiftly to an armed robbery at Akuro Phase I. Although the robbers fled into a nearby bush, they abandoned two stolen motorcycles, while officers recovered a knife, an expended cartridge and a broken padlock. One suspect, Abdulsalam Adam, was arrested and the matter has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) as efforts continue to apprehend the remaining gang members.

Another breakthrough came in Ajuwon, where police responded to a distress call after armed robbers invaded a residence and escaped with valuables, including a Toyota Camry, jewellery, mobile phones, a laptop computer and power banks. A coordinated pursuit forced the suspects to abandon the stolen vehicle, while one suspect, Israel Salako, was arrested. Detectives are continuing investigations to recover the remaining stolen items and apprehend other fleeing suspects.

The Command maintains that these operations form part of a broader preventive policing framework built around visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, rapid response to distress calls and stronger community partnerships.

Residents are also being advised to ensure their vehicles comply with registration requirements, avoid boarding unregistered commercial vehicles outside recognised motor parks and share travel details with trusted family members whenever possible.

For emergencies or to provide credible information, the Ogun State Police Command can be reached through Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111 or via the emergency lines 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.