The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled a notorious armed robbery syndicate operating along the Papalanto–Ilaro and Owode–Idiroko corridors, arresting eight suspects and recovering a hijacked trailer truck, 900 bags of cement and a locally fabricated firearm in a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.
The breakthrough followed directives by the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, who ordered operatives of the Anti-Robbery Squad, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, to intensify intelligence deployment, surveillance and discreet tracking of criminal networks terrorising major supply routes in the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the command said sustained intelligence gathering, covert surveillance and crime pattern analysis enabled detectives to identify, penetrate and ultimately dismantle the gang.
The operation led to the arrest of eight suspected members of the syndicate at different locations across the state based on actionable intelligence. Those arrested are Mogaji Sodiq, also known as “Ogbonṣ”, Adebowale Lekan, Ajah Peter, Ganiyu Razaq, Odeleye Ayoola, Egboja Amos, Bello Akeem and Olaifa Sunday.
Investigations revealed that the suspects specialised in violent attacks and the hijacking of trailer trucks conveying goods along key commercial routes. Operatives first tracked and recovered a warehouse where most of the stolen cement had been offloaded, leading to the recovery of 900 bags. Further follow-up operations resulted in the interception of the hijacked trailer truck and the recovery of a locally made single-barrel pistol allegedly used by the gang.
Police investigations have also linked the suspects to previous criminal operations, with emerging intelligence pointing to a coordinated and organised theft ring targeting commercial supply chains. The command said intelligence is being further exploited to track and arrest fleeing members of the syndicate, while efforts continue to uncover accomplices, logistics networks and buyers involved in the illicit operations.
The suspects, according to the police, will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reaffirming the command’s stance, the Commissioner of Police reiterated Ogun State Police Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across the state. He assured residents and road users that sustained operations against organised crime would continue.
The police also urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the Ogun State Police Command emergency lines: Gateway Shield (toll-free) on 0800 000 9111, and other emergency numbers including 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.