By our Reporter
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled an attempt to smuggle a stolen company vehicle across the Nigeria-Benin Republic border and arrested two suspects allegedly involved in the crime.
The suspects, identified as Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38, were apprehended by officers attached to the Idiroko Division following an intelligence-led operation that led to the recovery of a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus.
According to the Police Command, the operation was carried out by officers led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo, after credible intelligence indicated that the suspects had positioned the vehicle at the Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to move it across the international border for illegal disposal in the Benin Republic.
The stolen vehicle had earlier been reported missing from Lagos State.
Acting on the intelligence received at about 11 p.m. on June 12, 2026, the police deployed a surveillance team to the area, where the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to transport the vehicle across the border.
In the course of the operation, officers immobilised the bus by shooting one of its tyres, preventing its movement and eventual escape from the country.
The intervention resulted in the arrest of the two suspects and the successful recovery of the stolen Toyota Coaster bus.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Seun Lawal, who worked as a driver, allegedly conspired with Ademola Oriyomi, identified as his guarantor, to steal and sell the vehicle in the neighbouring Benin Republic.
Police said the suspects admitted during interrogation that they intended to use proceeds from the sale of the bus to facilitate their relocation after completing the transaction.
The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue to determine whether they are linked to a wider network involved in cross-border vehicle theft and trafficking.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, vigilance and tactical response of CSP Adejuwon Ariyo and officers of the Idiroko Division.
The police commissioner said the successful operation underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the command’s commitment to strengthening border security and combating transnational crime.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain proactive policing strategies aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of operation within Ogun State and along its international border corridors.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to maintain public safety.
