The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 16 suspects in separate operations across the state for offences ranging from alleged illegal petroleum product dealings and vandalism of critical national infrastructure to burglary, housebreaking, theft, receiving stolen property, and defilement.
The Command also recovered two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle, four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 13 jerry cans containing suspected diesel, a pumping machine, a generator, and several other exhibits linked to the various cases.
The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abeokuta, describing the recoveries as another milestone recorded under Operation KOSAYE, the state’s ongoing security initiative aimed at combating crime, protecting critical infrastructure, and safeguarding lives and property.
According to the statement, operatives attached to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit acted on credible intelligence on July 21 concerning the activities of a suspected diesel bunkering syndicate operating in Abule-Iroko, Sango.
The operation led to the arrest of a 51-year-old suspect.
During the raid, officers recovered four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 13 containers of suspected diesel stored in 25-litre jerry cans, one pumping machine, and a generator allegedly used to facilitate the illegal operation.
The police said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected syndicate while unraveling the wider network behind the operation.
In a separate operation, detectives attached to the Ota Division arrested two suspects, aged 26 and 28, for allegedly vandalising a telecommunications mast cable at Ten Ten Street in Ota.
The arrests followed intelligence reports and information supplied by members of the public.
Police said the suspects were investigated and subsequently charged to court.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting public infrastructure, the Command warned that anyone caught vandalising critical national assets would face the full weight of the law.
Other Operations
The police also disclosed that operatives of the Agbado Division arrested a 50-year-old man over the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl.
According to the Command, the victim was immediately taken for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation and prosecution.
In another operation, officers recovered a mini truck transporting aluminium doors and window frames that had earlier been hijacked by suspected armed hoodlums along the Benin/Ore Expressway.
The suspects reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest after spotting approaching police officers.
The recovered truck has since been returned to its owner, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Commending the officers involved in the various operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism, vigilance, and swift response.
He also urged residents of Ogun State to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crime and enable prompt police intervention.
