The Ogun State Police Command has recorded major successes in its ongoing campaign against armed robbery and vehicle theft, arresting three suspects, including an alleged syndicate leader, and recovering a stolen Toyota Corolla in separate intelligence-led operations across Abeokuta and neighbouring communities.
The breakthrough followed coordinated operations by the Anti-Robbery Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, which targeted criminal networks linked to armed robbery attempts and vehicle theft activities in the state.
Police identified the suspects as Ismaila Israel Sokunbi, 38; Kayode Adeyemi, 37, described as the suspected kingpin; and Kola Taiwo, 55. Several exhibits believed to be connected to criminal activities were also recovered during the operations.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the first operation stemmed from a distress call received at Obantoko Division on May 22, 2026, regarding an attempted armed robbery at Oniyo Community, Arokoje, Obantoko, Abeokuta.
The suspects reportedly attempted to seize a resident’s vehicle while he was opening the gate to his residence. The victim’s alarm attracted neighbours, leading to a confrontation that disrupted the robbery attempt.
During the struggle, the suspects reportedly lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a nearby fence. As police operatives moved in, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and escaped in another waiting vehicle.
Investigators recovered an Infinix mobile phone and a Wema Bank ATM card allegedly dropped by one of the fleeing suspects. The recovered items later became crucial evidence in the investigation.
Police detectives subsequently carried out telecommunications analysis and intelligence gathering, which led to the identification and arrest of Sokunbi on May 26 in the Oke Jigbo and Isale Abese areas of Abeokuta.
A search conducted at his residence yielded several exhibits, including a new ceiling fan, gas cooker, SIM cards, SIM packs, suspected charms, machinery tools, a gas-filling hose pipe and cooking utensils.
Further investigations by the Anti-Robbery Squad led operatives to Ibadan, Oyo State, where Adeyemi, alleged to be the leader of the criminal network, was arrested.
The suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in the failed robbery operation and admitted belonging to a syndicate responsible for multiple vehicle thefts across Abeokuta and surrounding communities. They also revealed that the group specialised in stealing vehicles by tampering with ignition wiring systems.
In a separate operation, detectives successfully resolved a vehicle theft case reported at Odeda Police Station on May 18, involving a Toyota Corolla stolen in Osiele.
Acting on intelligence, operatives arrested Taiwo and recovered the stolen vehicle. Investigators said the suspect allegedly used master keys to gain access to parked vehicles and had been linked to several theft incidents within the Osiele axis.
Police further disclosed that Taiwo confessed to stealing a green Toyota Camry in an earlier operation. Efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen vehicles and apprehend other members of the syndicate, while the suspect remains in custody pending prosecution.
Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism, resilience and intelligence-driven approach. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing, warning criminals to abandon unlawful activities as the police intensify efforts to ensure the safety of residents across Ogun State.