By our Reporter
Operatives of the Mowe Division of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a suspected vehicle theft kingpin, 28-year-old Mosuru Issa, and recovered a stolen wine-coloured Toyota Camry during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The suspect, who is from Osungboye Street, Agege, Lagos State, was arrested at about 7:30am on September 11, 2026, when police operatives conducting routine patrol and stop-and-search operations along the Mowe axis flagged down the vehicle for a security check.
According to the police, the three occupants of the vehicle suddenly abandoned it and fled in different directions on sighting the operatives, raising suspicion.
The operatives reportedly pursued the occupants, leading to the arrest of Issa, while the vehicle was secured and recovered.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was allegedly stolen on September 7, 2026, from where it was parked in Ojoo, Lagos State.
The police said the incident underscored the importance of proactive policing, routine patrols and lawful stop-and-search operations in detecting criminal activities, recovering stolen property and preventing criminals from using Ogun highways as escape routes.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the owner of the vehicle and apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the operatives for their vigilance, professionalism and swift response.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing and sustained operations aimed at protecting lives and property, as well as disrupting vehicle theft, highway crime and other criminal activities across the state.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or the emergency numbers 09164859299 and 09154293464.
The police also advised vehicle owners to adopt basic security measures, including the use of tyre locks, steering locks and other appropriate anti-theft devices, particularly when vehicles are parked in public or unsecured locations.
