ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Police Command has arrested eight (8) suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate responsible for violent attacks and the hijacking of trailer trucks along the Papalanto–Ilaro and Owode–Idiroko axis of the state.
THE police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ogun State command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi in a press statement issued in Abeokuta on Thursday said the operatives acted on intelligence coordinated operation and recovered a hijacked trailer truck, nine hundred (900) bags of cement, and a locally made single-barrel pistol.
The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Lanre Ogunlowo has directed operatives of the Anti-Robbery Squad, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, to deploy intelligence assets, intensify surveillance, and discreetly track and dismantle the criminal network through targeted intelligence-led operations.
According to Babaseyi, the SCID detectives through sustained intelligence gathering, covert surveillance, and crime pattern analysis successfully identified and penetrated the syndicate which culminated in the arrest of eight key members of the gang.
The Police spokesman maintained that the suspects were apprehended at different locations across the state based on actionable intelligence. The suspects arrested include: Mogaji Sodiq (M) a.k.a. “Ogbonṣ”, Adebowale Lekan (M), Ajah Peter (M), Ganiyu Razaq (M), Odeleye Ayoola (M), Egboja Amos (M), Bello Akeem (M), and Olaifa Sunday (M).
He stressed further that the suspects were intercepted after conveying the trailer truck, with most of the stolen cement having been taken to a warehouse, which was tracked and recovered first by operatives.
He added that subsequent operations led to the recovery of their locally made single-barrel pistol.
It was further established during investigations that the syndicate had carried out previous criminal operations, with ongoing inquiries unveiling a pattern of organised theft targeting commercial supply chains.
“Intelligence is currently being exploited to track, locate, and apprehend other fleeing members, while further investigations continue to dismantle their wider criminal network and identify accomplices and logistics channels. The suspects will be charged to court accordingly upon the conclusion of investigations.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property across the state.
“The Command assures residents and road users that operations targeting organised crime will continue.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or security concerns through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (General Complaints Line – Toll Free): 0800 000 9111; Emergency Numbers: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.”
