The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 16 suspects in separate operations across the state for offences ranging from illegal petroleum product dealings and vandalism to burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and defilement.
The police said the arrests were made as part of its ongoing Operation KOSAYE, aimed at tackling crime, protecting critical national infrastructure and ensuring the safety of residents.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, the police disclosed that officers recovered two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle, four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 13 jerry cans of suspected diesel, a pumping machine, a generator and several other exhibits during the operations.
One of the major operations took place on July 21, when operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit acted on credible intelligence and arrested a 51-year-old suspect allegedly involved in an illegal diesel bunkering operation at Abule-Iroko in Sango.
The police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected syndicate.
In a separate operation, detectives attached to the Ota Division arrested two suspects, aged 26 and 28, for allegedly vandalising cables belonging to a telecommunications mast on Ten Ten Street, Ota.
Following investigations, the suspects were charged to court.
The Command also announced the arrest of a 50-year-old man by operatives of the Agbado Division over the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl.
According to the police, the victim was taken for medical treatment, while the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation and prosecution.
The police also recovered a mini truck loaded with aluminium doors and window frames that had been hijacked by suspected armed hoodlums along the Benin/Ore Expressway.
The suspects reportedly fled into a nearby forest after spotting police officers, while the recovered truck was returned to its owner.
Commending the officers involved in the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism and urged residents to continue providing useful information to support the fight against crime.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, property and critical national infrastructure across Ogun State.
