The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 16 suspects for alleged offences including illegal petroleum product trading, vandalism, burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and defilement as part of the ongoing Operation Kosaye.
The Punch reported that the arrests were made through intelligence-driven operations, rapid responses to distress calls, forensic investigations and coordinated tactical raids conducted across various parts of the state.
Recovered exhibits include two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle, four drums containing suspected Automotive Gas Oil, 13 jerry cans filled with suspected diesel, a pumping machine, a generator and several other items.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the developments in a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta, noting that the operations underscore the command’s commitment to fighting crime and safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
Babaseyi said, “On July 21, 2026, at about 2030hrs, detectives attached to the Agbado Division arrested Saliu Akinwande, 50, over allegations of defiling an 11-year-old girl.”
According to him, the victim was immediately taken for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation and prosecution.
The police spokesperson further revealed that operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit arrested a 51-year-old suspect, Kabiru Afolabi, at Abule-Iroko, Sango, on July 21 following intelligence reports linking him to a suspected diesel bunkering syndicate.
He said, “Recovered during the operation were four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil, 13 25-litre jerry cans containing suspected diesel, one pumping machine and one generator allegedly used in the illegal operation.”
He added that investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate and uncover the full extent of the illegal operation.
Babaseyi also disclosed that detectives attached to the Ota Division arrested two suspects, Nnabike Uzolo, 26, and Chino Mgbenya, 28, a commercial motorcyclist, on July 12 after credible intelligence linked them to the vandalism of a telecommunications mast cable at Ten Ten Street, Mine, Ota.
He explained, “Following a thorough investigation, the suspects were charged in court for the alleged offence.”
The command reiterated its resolve to protect critical national infrastructure, warning that individuals involved in vandalism would face arrest and prosecution.
In another operation, detectives attached to the Idanyin Division responded to a burglary report at a commercial establishment on July 21.
Their investigation led to the arrest of Hammed Olanrewaju and Emmanuel Victor, while part of the stolen property was recovered from the shop of an alleged receiver.
Police said efforts are continuing to recover the remaining stolen items and identify other accomplices.
Babaseyi also stated that detectives from the Ajuwon Division successfully recovered a stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle and arrested 20-year-old Mathew Mark after conducting an extensive investigation into a theft reported on July 3.
The suspect remains in custody and will be arraigned after investigations are concluded.
Similarly, forensic tracking of a stolen mobile phone from a house-breaking incident reported on July 5 enabled detectives from the Agbado Division to arrest Sodiq Raji, 32.
His arrest subsequently led to the apprehension of Zubby Nzube, 28, Adeyemi Omoyajuowo, 30, and Chimezie Iwuanya, 35.
Some of the stolen property has been recovered, while investigations continue to recover other exhibits and track down fleeing suspects.
The police spokesperson further said operatives attached to the Ijebu Imushin Division responded swiftly to intelligence received on July 19 that armed hoodlums had hijacked a mini truck transporting aluminium doors and window frames along the Benin/Ore Expressway.
He said, “On sighting the police, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest. The truck was successfully recovered and released to its owner, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”
In another development, operatives attached to the Atan-Ijebu Division recovered an abandoned bus on July 21 after receiving credible information from members of the public.
The vehicle has been taken to the station for safekeeping while efforts are being made to identify and contact its rightful owner.
Babaseyi also disclosed that between July 13 and July 21, detectives attached to the Atan-Ijebu Division arrested Ayomide Odufuwa, 27, Adura Adebanjo, 26, Samuel Sunday, 25, Bashiru, and Muhammed in connection with separate burglary and house-breaking cases.
The operations led to the recovery of stolen clothing, household items, bedding materials and other exhibits, while investigations remain ongoing.
Commending the officers involved in the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism, vigilance, prompt response and dedication to duty.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain Operation Kosaye through intelligence-led policing, increased visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, forensic investigations and stronger collaboration with communities to deny criminals any operational space in Ogun State.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support the police with timely and credible information that could help prevent crime and aid prompt operational response.
The commissioner assured residents that the command would continue to strengthen Operation Kosaye and other proactive policing initiatives to ensure the protection of lives, property and critical national assets across the state.
