8 ARRESTED AS OGUN POLICE BREAK ROBBERY SYNDICATE ALONG KEY TRANSPORT CORRIDORS

An intelligence-led police operation in Ogun State, has led to the arrest of eight suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate accused of hijacking trailer trucks and carrying out violent attacks along the Papalanto–Ilaro and Owode–Idiroko corridors.

Police said the operation resulted in the recovery of a hijacked trailer truck, nine hundred bags of cement and a locally made single-barrel pistol, striking a significant blow against organized criminal activity targeting commercial supply routes in the state.

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the Command said the arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police for operatives of the Anti-Robbery Squad, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, to deploy intelligence assets, intensify surveillance and discreetly track the syndicate.

According to the statement, sustained intelligence gathering, covert surveillance and crime pattern analysis enabled detectives to identify, penetrate and dismantle the criminal network through targeted operations.
The suspects identified as Mogaji Sodiq, also known as Ogbons, Adebowale Lekan, Ajah Peter, Ganiyu Razaq, Odeleye Ayoola, Egboja Amos, Bello Akeem and Olaifa Sunday, were arrested at different locations across the state based on actionable intelligence. Investigators said the gang was intercepted after conveying the hijacked trailer, with most of the stolen cement already moved to a warehouse that was first tracked and recovered by operatives, followed by the seizure of the firearm.

Police said investigations have revealed a pattern of organized theft aimed at commercial supply chains, with efforts ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects, dismantle the wider network and identify accomplices and logistics channels, while assuring residents that intelligence-driven operations to protect lives and property will continue.

Members of the public are urged to report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line 0800 000 9111 and emergency numbers 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, and 0708 497 2994.