Intelligence-led operations across five divisions dismantle robbery syndicates, foil attacks, and recover ₦1.1m as CP Ojajuni intensifies anti-crime offensive

The men of the Nigeria Polic officer, Ogun State Police Command has arrested seven suspects and recovered a cache of stolen items, including a Toyota Venza, firearms, and 17 mobile phones, in a series of coordinated operations across the state.

The arrests, carried out through intelligence-led policing and tactical interventions, spanned the Ilaro Area Command and divisions in Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan, and Ode-Remo. Police said the suspects were linked to offences ranging from armed robbery and “one-chance” robbery to fraud, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult-related activities.

Police spokesperson DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi identified the suspects as Bola Salau (42), Segun Balogun (25), Emmanuel Friday, Tunde Abioye, Ankpa James, Tunde Ogunseye (41), and Owodunni Seun (36).

In Ilaro, officers intercepted a stolen blue Toyota Venza during a stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road. The occupants, Salau and Balogun, were unable to account for the vehicle, prompting their arrest. Investigations later confirmed the car had been stolen during a violent robbery in Ede, Osun State, on June 23.

At Ibafo, police dismantled a “one-chance” robbery syndicate following a victim’s complaint. Detectives tracked and arrested two suspects at a hotel in Magboro and recovered a Toyota Camry used for operations. The victim identified the suspects as those who robbed her of cash and a mobile phone.

In Mowe, a suspected fraudster, Ankpa James, was arrested for allegedly collecting over ₦1.2 million from a victim under the pretext of arranging travel to Luxembourg. Police recovered ₦1.1 million from the suspect.

Meanwhile, in Adatan, a suspected cultist, Tunde Ogunseye, was arrested during a joint security raid. Officers recovered two locally fabricated pistols from him and his residence. Police said he is linked to the Eiye confraternity and other criminal activities.

In Ode-Remo, operatives foiled a robbery targeting students after responding to a distress call. The suspects fled into nearby bushes, abandoning items including a Dane gun, an HP laptop, and 17 stolen phones. A suspect, Owodunni Seun, was later arrested near the scene.

Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and public safety. He warned criminal elements to desist or face the law, while urging residents to support security agencies with credible information.

Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the wider criminal networks.