By Our Reporter
The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on criminal activities across the state, arresting seven suspects linked to armed robbery, one-chance robbery, cultism, illegal possession of firearms and obtaining money by false pretence during intelligence-led operations conducted in Ilaro, Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan and Ode-Remo.
The operations 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 recovered from a travel fraud suspect.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the coordinated operations underscore the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, strategic crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across Ogun State.
In Ilaro, operatives attached to the Area Command intercepted a blue Toyota Venza during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road. The occupants, Bola Salau, 42, and Segun Balogun, 25, were arrested after failing to provide satisfactory explanations on how they came into possession of the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of its original registration documents concealed beneath the carpet. Further investigation traced the rightful owner to Ede, Osun State, where it was confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during an armed robbery attack on June 23, 2026.
At Ibafo Division, detectives dismantled a suspected one-chance robbery syndicate following a complaint by a female victim who was dispossessed of her Samsung A16 mobile phone valued at ₦295,000 and ₦120,000 cash.
Acting on credible intelligence, police arrested Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye at Freeway Hotel in Magboro and recovered a Toyota Camry allegedly used by the syndicate for its operations. The victim positively identified the suspects, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang.
In another operation, officers attached to Mowe Division arrested Ankpa James following allegations that he fraudulently obtained ₦1,276,000 from a 21-year-old victim under the guise of facilitating his travel to Luxembourg.
The suspect reportedly confessed during interrogation, while police recovered ₦1.1 million, which was subsequently released to the complainant on bond pending the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, operatives of Adatan Division, working jointly with other security agencies, arrested suspected cultist Tunde Ogunseye, 41, during a coordinated raid.
Police said the suspect allegedly attempted to attack officers with a locally fabricated pistol but was subdued and disarmed. A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of another locally fabricated pistol. Investigations also linked the suspect to the Eiye Confraternity and alleged illicit drug activities.
At Ode-Remo Division, police foiled an armed robbery attack targeting students at Itun-Raye after responding to a distress call.
The hoodlums reportedly fled into a nearby bush upon sighting the approaching security team, abandoning several stolen items. A search of the area led to the recovery of a locally made Dane gun, two expended cartridges, an HP EliteBook laptop, three power banks, a rechargeable touch light and 17 mobile phones comprising nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android phones and one Itel Android phone.
Police also recovered clothing items believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
In a follow-up operation, officers arrested Owodunni Seun, 36, who was found loitering around the crime scene under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary investigation revealed that he had previously been convicted for receiving stolen property and is currently assisting investigators.
Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, vigilance and bravery displayed by the operatives during the operations.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, inter-agency collaboration and sustained pressure against criminal elements across the state.
The police commissioner warned criminals to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and facilitating the arrest of offenders.
He assured the people of Ogun State that the Command would continue deploying all lawful operational strategies to safeguard lives and property throughout the state.
