Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested two suspected armed robbers linked to a vehicle-snatching syndicate and recovered three stolen vehicles during intelligence-led operations in Ifo and Sango-Ota areas of the state.
The suspects, identified as Mohammed Adeniyi Usman, also known as “Mandela,” aged 48, and Abiodun Ogunojukan, alias “Ilasa,” aged 38, were apprehended in separate operations carried out by operatives of the Ifo and Sango Divisions of the Command.
The operations also led to the recovery of two live cartridges and foreign currencies suspected to be proceeds of criminal activities.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the arrest followed sustained intelligence-driven investigations into reported incidents of armed robbery and vehicle snatching within the divisions.
Acting on credible intelligence on May 9, 2026, detectives attached to the Ifo Division stormed a suspected criminal hideout located at Adeleye Area, Itele, Ota, where stolen vehicles were allegedly being concealed.
Police operatives reportedly arrived at the location at about 4:00 p.m. and, after sighting suspected stolen vehicles within the premises, strategically laid ambush for the occupants who were absent at the time.
The operation later yielded results at about 10:35 p.m. with the arrest of Mohammed Adeniyi Usman, alias “Mandela.”
A search conducted on the premises led to the recovery of one Toyota Corolla belonging to a complainant, one Toyota Venza allegedly stolen at gunpoint on April 26, 2026, at Ilese-Awo, Abeokuta, and one Honda Crosstour reportedly snatched during a separate armed robbery operation at Ijoko, Ota.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was part of a wider criminal syndicate involved in armed robbery and vehicle theft operations within Ogun State and neighbouring states.
Further intelligence-led operations carried out on May 10, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., led operatives of the Ifo and Sango Divisions to Sango-Ota Under Bridge, where the second suspect, Abiodun Ogunojukan, alias “Ilasa,” was arrested.
The suspect reportedly confessed to his involvement in the criminal activities and provided useful information currently assisting police efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen vehicles.
All recovered exhibits have since been documented and secured, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation and prosecution.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the officers for their professionalism, swift response, and commitment to intelligence-led policing.
“This operation reflects the commitment of the Ogun State Police Command to proactively tackle armed robbery, vehicle theft, and other violent crimes threatening public safety across the state,” the CP stated.
He added that the Command would continue to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and tactical operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating within the state.
“We remain resolute in our determination to protect lives and property and ensure that criminal elements have no hiding place in Ogun State,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information capable of aiding crime prevention and detection.
“Security is a shared responsibility. We encourage members of the public to continue cooperating with the Police and reporting suspicious activities through the Command’s emergency lines,” he added.
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities across the state.
