The Ogun State Police Command has arrested seven suspected criminals in a series of intelligence-led operations, recovering a stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms, an operational vehicle allegedly used for one-chance robberies, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP laptop and ₦1.1 million, as the command intensified its crackdown on violent crime across the state.
The operations, carried out by officers attached to the Ilaro Area Command and the Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan and Ode-Remo divisions, targeted offences ranging from armed robbery and one-chance robbery to travel fraud, unlawful possession of firearms and cult-related activities.
The suspects were identified as Bola Salau, 42; Segun Balogun, 25; Emmanuel Friday; Tunde Abioye; Ankpa James; Tunde Ogunseye, 41; and Owodunni Seun, 36.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operations were the result of sustained intelligence gathering, strategic patrols and swift tactical responses aimed at disrupting criminal activities across the state.
In one of the operations, operatives of the Ilaro Area Command intercepted a blue Toyota Venza during a stop-and-search exercise along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road. The occupants, Salau and Balogun, were unable to provide satisfactory proof of ownership of the vehicle.
A subsequent search led to the recovery of the vehicle’s original registration documents concealed beneath the carpet. Investigators later traced the rightful owner to Ede, Osun State, who confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during an armed robbery attack on his residence on June 23, 2026.
In a separate operation, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division arrested Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye over their alleged involvement in a one-chance robbery syndicate operating around the Magboro axis.
The arrests followed a complaint by a female victim, who alleged that she was dispossessed of a Samsung A16 mobile phone valued at ₦295,000 and ₦120,000 in cash after boarding the suspects’ vehicle.
Police also recovered a Toyota Camry allegedly used by the syndicate in its operations, while the complainant reportedly identified the suspects.
Similarly, operatives of the Mowe Division arrested Ankpa James over allegations that he fraudulently obtained ₦1,276,000 from a 21-year-old victim under the pretext of facilitating his travel to Luxembourg.
Police said the arrest followed a distress report received through the Command’s Gateway Shield emergency platform. During interrogation, the suspect allegedly admitted to the offence, leading to the recovery of ₦1.1 million, which was released to the complainant on bond.
In another intelligence-led operation, operatives of the Adatan Division, working in collaboration with other security agencies, arrested Tunde Ogunseye, who allegedly attempted to attack security personnel with a locally fabricated pistol before he was subdued.
A search of his residence led to the recovery of another locally fabricated pistol. Preliminary investigations also linked the suspect to the Eiye Confraternity and alleged involvement in illicit drug activities. He has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
At Ode-Remo, police foiled an armed robbery attack targeting students at Itun-Raye after responding to a distress call.
According to the command, the suspected robbers fled into a nearby bush on sighting the approaching security operatives, abandoning several items believed to have been stolen from their victims.
Recovered exhibits included a locally made Dane gun, two expended cartridges, an HP EliteBook laptop, 17 mobile phones—comprising nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android phones and one Itel Android phone—as well as three power banks, a rechargeable touch light and other personal belongings.
Police later arrested Owodunni Seun near the crime scene after he allegedly failed to give a satisfactory account of his presence in the area. Investigators said preliminary findings indicated that he had previously been convicted for receiving stolen property and is assisting with ongoing investigations.
DSP Babaseyi said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal networks linked to the various cases.
“These operational successes underscore the unwavering commitment of the Ogun State Police Command to intelligence-led policing, strategic crime prevention and the protection of lives and property across Ogun State,” Babaseyi said.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, as commending the professionalism, vigilance and courage displayed by officers involved in the operations.
“The Command remains committed to proactive policing, inter-agency collaboration and sustained pressure against all forms of criminality. Criminal elements are advised to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law,” Babaseyi stated.
He added that the command would continue to deploy lawful operational strategies to ensure the safety of residents while urging members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and facilitating the arrest of criminal elements.
Police said investigations into the various cases were ongoing, while the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations where applicable.
