The Ogun State Police Command has arrested six suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, generators and mobile phones during a series of intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks in Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo areas of the state.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, noting that coordinated operations by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit and the Ibafo Division led to the dismantling of networks linked to illegal possession of firearms, theft, conspiracy, armed intimidation and receiving stolen property.
The suspects arrested were identified as Afisu Awesu, Bala Aminu, Moruf Sodiq, popularly known as “Okiki,” Mumuni Amodu, alias “Stone,” Abayomi John, alias “Ibafo,” and Adeboye Ojesina.
According to the police, items recovered during the operations included a pump-action rifle, a locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, an expended cartridge, five generators and nine Android phones suspected to have been stolen.
The command said operatives of the VCRU arrested Moruf Sodiq on May 30 following intelligence linking him to a generator theft syndicate operating in Abeokuta and its environs.
Investigations reportedly led to the arrest of Mumuni Amodu, identified as an alleged receiver of stolen property. A search of his premises resulted in the recovery of five generators and nine Android phones suspected to have been stolen.
Police further arrested Abayomi John, a motorcyclist accused of providing logistical support to members of the syndicate by transporting them to targeted locations during operations.
The suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other members of the group.
In a separate operation, SWAT operatives arrested 58-year-old Adeboye Ojesina on June 12 over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and the use of weapons to intimidate residents of Wasimi and neighbouring communities.
A search conducted after his arrest led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, a pump-action rifle, two live cartridges and one spent cartridge.
The police said Ojesina initially denied ownership of the weapons but later claimed he found the pistol in the area and fired it to test its functionality. He also alleged that the pump-action rifle had been handed over to him by an unidentified individual currently being tracked by investigators.
Meanwhile, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division uncovered a vehicle parts theft network following a complaint of theft at a site in Igbeti Sote Village, via Ibafo.
According to the police, Afisu Awesu was apprehended while allegedly attempting to steal a forklift engine component alongside an accomplice who escaped from the scene.
Further investigations revealed that the suspects had allegedly stolen forklift tyres from the same location and sold them to Bala Aminu, who was subsequently arrested as a suspected receiver of stolen property.
The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network.
Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism and swift response.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and sustained action against criminal elements, assuring residents of continued proactive measures to enhance security across the state.