The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities across the state, recording major operational successes that led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, generators and mobile phones suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
The breakthroughs were achieved through coordinated intelligence-led operations carried out by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit and officers attached to the Ibafo Division.
The operations resulted in the arrest of Afisu Awesu, Bala Aminu, Moruf Sodiq, popularly known as “Okiki”, Mumuni Amodu, also known as “Stone”, Abayomi John, alias “Ibafo”, and Adeboye Ojesina.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the suspects were apprehended in separate operations conducted in Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo.
The police said the operations disrupted criminal networks allegedly involved in illegal possession of firearms, theft, armed intimidation, conspiracy and receiving stolen property.
Recovered items included one pump action rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, five generators and nine Android mobile phones believed to have been stolen.
In one of the operations, operatives of the VCRU acted on intelligence received on May 30 and tracked down Moruf Sodiq, identified as a key suspect in a generator theft syndicate operating within Abeokuta and neighbouring communities.
Investigators said the suspect subsequently led officers to Mumuni Amodu, who was alleged to be a receiver of stolen goods linked to the criminal network.
A search conducted at the location led to the recovery of four Elepaq generators, one Sumec Fireman generator and nine Android phones suspected to have been stolen from various victims.
The investigation further led to the arrest of Abayomi John, a motorcyclist alleged to have provided transportation and logistical support to members of the syndicate during their operations.
Police authorities disclosed that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the group, while the arrested suspects remain in custody.
In a separate operation on June 12, SWAT operatives arrested 58 year old Adeboye Ojesina over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition following intelligence reports from residents of Wasimi and surrounding communities.
A search conducted by the operatives resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a pump action rifle, two live cartridges and one expended cartridge.
The suspect reportedly claimed during interrogation that he found the pistol within the area and fired a round to test its functionality, while alleging that the pump action rifle had been handed over to him by an individual currently being tracked by investigators.
Meanwhile, officers attached to the Ibafo Division uncovered another criminal network linked to the theft and disposal of industrial vehicle components. The operation followed a complaint lodged over theft activities at a site located in Igbeti Sote Village along the Ibafo axis.
Police detectives intercepted Afisu Awesu while allegedly attempting to steal a forklift engine component alongside an accomplice who escaped during the operation. Further investigation led to the arrest of Bala Aminu, who was accused of receiving stolen forklift tyres earlier removed from the same location.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the professionalism, swift response and operational effectiveness displayed by officers involved in the successful operations.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence driven policing and sustained efforts aimed at denying criminal elements any safe haven within Ogun State while assuring residents of continued protection of lives and property.