The Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos, has dismantled two suspected criminal syndicates involved in diverting goods in transit, arresting nine suspects and recovering goods valued at over N60 million.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Olohundare Jimoh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday through the command’s spokesperson, DSP Gbenga Afolayan, noting that the operation was based on credible intelligence.
According to him, detectives from the Zone 2 Dragon Team launched a covert operation that led to the arrest of the suspects between May 15, following reports that criminal networks were working with truck drivers and their assistants to divert cargo meant for delivery locations.
Jimoh explained that the syndicates allegedly rerouted goods while in transit and sold them to receivers at discounted prices before abandoning the trucks at different locations to avoid detection.
He said: “The operation, carried out on May 15, led to the arrest of nine suspects who are between the ages of 42 and 62.”
Investigations revealed that one of the groups diverted two 45,000-litre trucks loaded with molasses chemical meant for delivery in Benin. One of the trucks was reportedly intercepted at Itokin, Lagos, while suspects were transloading the product.
“The second truck and its contents were later recovered at Ogere trailer park in Ogun State while the suspects were searching for a buyer,” Jimoh said.
Each truck, according to the police, was valued at about N11 million.
In a separate incident, another syndicate was linked to the diversion of a trailer carrying dairy products worth approximately N28 million.
The goods, loaded in Sagamu and originally bound for Jos, were allegedly diverted to Ijebu Ode, where they were sold off.
Jimoh said detectives later recovered the remaining products before they could be completely disposed of.
He added that investigations were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the syndicates, assuring that those involved would face prosecution upon completion of investigations.
“The command will remain committed to tackling economic sabotage and ensuring the safety of commercial activities within the zone,” he stated.
The police said the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
