Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled an attempt to smuggle a stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus into the Benin Republic, arresting a company driver and his guarantor in a late-night operation along the Idiroko border corridor.
The suspects; Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38, were apprehended after intelligence reports revealed plans to move the vehicle across the international border for illegal disposal.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the operation was carried out by officers attached to the Idiroko Division.
According to Babaseyi, the police received credible intelligence at about 11 p.m. on June 12 indicating that the suspects had positioned the vehicle at the Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to move it into the Benin Republic under false pretences.
“The operation was based on credible intelligence received at about 11:00 p.m. on June 12, 2026, indicating that the suspects had positioned the said vehicle at Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to move it across the international border under false pretence,” he said.
Acting on the information, the DPO mobilised a surveillance team to the area where the suspects were intercepted while allegedly executing the plan.
“Acting swiftly on the information, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo mobilised and led a surveillance team to the location, where operatives intercepted the suspects in the course of executing the cross-border movement,” Babaseyi stated.
He explained that the operatives were forced to immobilise the vehicle to prevent its escape across the border.
“In a decisive tactical response, the operatives demobilised the vehicle by shooting one of its tyres, effectively immobilising it and preventing its escape across the border,” the police spokesman added.
The operation led to the arrest of the two suspects and the recovery of the stolen Toyota Coaster bus, which had earlier been reported stolen from Lagos.
Preliminary investigations, according to the command, revealed that the driver allegedly conspired with his guarantor to steal and sell the vehicle in the neighbouring Benin Republic.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that Seun Lawal, a driver, conspired with Ademola Oriyomi, his guarantor, to steal and sell the vehicle in the Benin Republic. The suspects admitted that the proceeds were intended to facilitate their relocation after the illegal transaction,” Babaseyi said.
He added that investigators were exploring possible links between the suspects and wider cross-border vehicle theft networks operating along the border axis.
“The suspects are currently in custody while investigation continues to uncover possible links to broader cross-border vehicle theft syndicates,” he noted.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the professionalism and swift response of the Idiroko Division.
“The Commissioner of Police commends the professionalism, vigilance and tactical precision of CSP Adejuwon Ariyo and the operatives of Idiroko Division, whose intelligence-led response ensured the interception, demobilisation and recovery of the stolen vehicle,” Babaseyi quoted the CP as saying.
The police commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to proactive policing, enhanced border security and sustained efforts to deny criminal elements safe operating spaces within Ogun State.
“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to proactive policing, strengthened border security operations and sustained efforts aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action within Ogun State and its border corridors,” the statement added.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies, assuring the public that efforts were ongoing to tackle cross-border crimes and other security threats.
