CITIZENS COMPASS— The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a stolen Toyota Venza, and arrested some suspects in its swift operations around Ilaro Area Command, Mowe/ Ibafo Adatan, and Ode-Remo Divisions.
The suspects were seven in number, namely Bola Salau (42), Segun Balogun (25), Emmanuel Friday, Tunde Abioye, Ankpa James, Tunde Ogunseye (41), and Owodunni Seun (36), for offences bordering on armed robbery, One-Chance robbery, obtaining money by false pretence, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult-related activities. During the coordinated operations, the Command recovered one stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms (two locally fabricated pistols and one locally made Dane gun), one Toyota Camry used as the operational vehicle of a One-Chance robbery syndicate, seventeen (17) stolen mobile phones, one HP EliteBook laptop, two expended cartridges, three power banks, one rechargeable touch light, and the sum of ₦1.1 million recovered from a travel fraud suspect. The operations also disrupted criminal activities across the affected areas, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices and dismantle the criminal networks connected to the various cases.
These operational successes underscore the unwavering commitment of the Ogun State Police Command under the leadership of CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, to intelligence-led policing, strategic crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property across Ogun State.
In a major breakthrough against violent crime, operatives attached to the Ilaro Area Command intercepted and arrested two suspects during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road in the Olorunlekan area of Ilaro.
The operation led to the interception of a blue Toyota Venza bearing Lagos registration, occupied by Bola Salau (42) and Segun Balogun (25). The suspects failed to provide a satisfactory account of how they came into possession of the vehicle and were immediately taken into custody.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the recovery of its original registration documents concealed beneath the carpet. Detectives subsequently traced the rightful owner in Ede, Osun State, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during a violent armed robbery attack on his residence on 23rd June, 2026, when about five armed men robbed him and members of his family of their valuables before making away with the vehicle.
The stolen vehicle has been recovered, while investigation is ongoing to establish the suspects’ involvement and apprehend other fleeing members of the robbery gang.
Operatives of Ibafo Division recorded another operational success following the arrest of two suspected members of a notorious One-Chance robbery syndicate operating within the Magboro axis.
The operation followed a complaint by a woman, who reported that she was dispossessed of her Samsung A16 mobile phone valued at ₦295,000 and ₦120,000 cash by unknown men operating a One-Chance vehicle.
Acting on credible intelligence, detectives traced the suspects to Freeway Hotel, Magboro, where Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye were arrested. A Toyota Camry bearing used as the gang’s operational vehicle, was recovered during the operation, while the victim positively identified the suspects.
Investigation is ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen property before the suspects are charged to court.
Operatives of Mowe Division arrested Ankpa James following a complaint lodged by a 21 year old man, who alleged that the suspect fraudulently obtained ₦1,276,000 from him under the false pretence of facilitating his travel to Luxembourg.
Following a distress report received through the Command’s Gateway Shield emergency platform, detectives swiftly arrested the suspect.
During interrogation, the suspect admitted involvement in the offence, while ₦1.1 million was recovered and released to the complainant on bond.
The suspect will be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
In another intelligence-led operation, operatives of Adatan Division, working jointly with sister security agencies, conducted a coordinated raid which led to the arrest of Tunde Ogunseye (41).
During the operation, the suspect allegedly attempted to attack security operatives with a locally fabricated pistol but was swiftly overpowered and disarmed through the bravery and professionalism of the operatives.
A search of his residence resulted in the recovery of another locally fabricated pistol, bringing the total number of recovered firearms to two (2).
Preliminary investigation further revealed that the suspect is a member of the Eiye Confraternity and is also allegedly involved in the sale of illicit drugs. The suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
In another remarkable operational success, operatives of Ode-Remo Division foiled an armed robbery attack targeting students at Itun-Raye, Ode-Remo.
Following a distress call that armed hoodlums were robbing students with guns and cutlasses, police patrol teams, supported by local vigilantes, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On sighting the approaching security team, the hoodlums fled into a nearby bush. The operatives engaged them in a hot pursuit, forcing the suspects to abandon their loot and flee, escaping with suspected gunshot injuries.
A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of one locally made Dane gun, two expended cartridges, one HP EliteBook laptop, three power banks, one rechargeable touch light, three pairs of slippers, one black belt, one face cap, one T-shirt, two boxer shorts, nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android phones, and one Itel Android phone, bringing the total number of recovered mobile phones to seventeen (17).
In a follow-up operation later that day, Owodunni Seun (36) was arrested after he was found loitering around the crime scene under suspicious circumstances. Preliminary investigation revealed that he is a habitual offender who had previously been charged and convicted for receiving stolen property. He could not give a satisfactory account of his presence at the scene and is assisting the Police with ongoing investigation.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the robbery gang and recover additional exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, psc, FCSS, MNIPR, commended the professionalism, vigilance, courage, and swift operational response of the officers, which led to the successful operations.
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.
For emergencies and credible information, residents are encouraged to contact the Ogun State Police Command through: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111. Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994
