The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its 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.
The coordinated operations, carried out across Ilaro, Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan, and Ode-Remo, also led to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms, an operational vehicle allegedly used by a one-chance syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop, and ₦1.1 million recovered from a suspected travel fraudster.
The Command said the breakthroughs were achieved through intelligence-led policing, strategic patrols, and swift tactical interventions under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni.
The suspects arrested were identified as Bola Salau, Segun Balogun, Emmanuel Friday, Tunde Abioye, Ankpa James, Tunde Ogunseye, and Owodunni Seun.
One of the major operations took place in Ilaro, where police operatives intercepted a Toyota Venza during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road.
The occupants, Bola Salau and Segun Balogun, were unable to explain how they came into possession of the vehicle. Investigators later traced the rightful owner in Osun State, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during a violent armed robbery attack on his residence earlier in the week.
In another operation, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division dismantled a suspected one-chance robbery syndicate operating within the Magboro axis.
Acting on intelligence following a victim’s complaint, police arrested Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye at a hotel in Magboro and recovered a Toyota Camry allegedly used to carry out the robberies. The victim reportedly identified the suspects during the investigation.
Police also recorded success in Mowe, where detectives arrested Ankpa James over an alleged travel scam involving more than ₦1.2 million. The suspect was accused of collecting money from a 21-year-old victim under the guise of facilitating a trip to Luxembourg.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the offence, while ₦1.1 million was recovered and returned to the complainant on bond pending the conclusion of the investigation.
At Adatan, security operatives arrested suspected cultist Tunde Ogunseye during a coordinated raid. Police said the suspect allegedly attempted to attack officers with a locally fabricated pistol before he was subdued. A further search of his residence led to the recovery of another locally made pistol, while preliminary investigations linked him to the Eiye Confraternity and alleged illicit drug activities.
The Command also foiled an armed robbery attack targeting students in Itun-Raye, Ode-Remo. Responding to a distress call, police patrol teams, supported by local vigilantes, pursued the fleeing hoodlums into a nearby bush, forcing them to abandon their loot.
Recovered exhibits included a Dane gun, two expended cartridges, 17 mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop, power banks, and other personal belongings. A suspected habitual offender, Owodunni Seun, was later arrested near the scene and is assisting investigators.
Commending the officers for their professionalism, CP Bode Ojajuni described the operations as a clear demonstration of the Command’s resolve to deny criminals safe haven in Ogun State.
The CP reiterated the Command's unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention, inter-agency collaboration, and sustained pressure against all forms of criminality across Ogun State.
He warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, assuring the good people of Ogun State that the Command will continue to deploy all lawful operational strategies to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the State.
He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police with timely, credible, and actionable information capable of preventing crime and facilitating the prompt arrest of criminal elements.
