The Ogun State Police Command has arrested seven suspected criminals in separate intelligence-led operations targeting armed robbery, “one-chance” robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms and fraud across the state.
The operations also led to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Venza, three locally fabricated firearms, a Toyota Camry allegedly used by a one-chance robbery syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop and N1.1 million linked to an alleged travel scam.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, describing the arrests as part of the police’s ongoing efforts to tackle crime through intelligence-driven policing.
According to him, the suspects — Bola Salau, Segun Balogun, Emmanuel Friday, Tunde Abioye, Ankpa James, Tunde Ogunseye and Owodunni Seun were apprehended during coordinated operations by operatives of the Ilaro Area Command as well as the Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan and Ode-Remo divisions.
Babaseyi said operatives of the Ilaro Area Command intercepted a Toyota Venza during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road after its occupants allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding ownership of the vehicle.
He explained that a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of its original registration documents concealed beneath the carpet, while investigations traced the rightful owner to Ede, Osun State.
The owner reportedly confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during an armed robbery at his residence on June 23, 2026.
The police said efforts were ongoing to establish the suspects’ level of involvement and apprehend other members of the robbery gang still at large.
In another operation, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division arrested two suspects linked to a one-chance robbery following a complaint by a female victim who alleged that she was dispossessed of her Samsung A16 mobile phone valued at N295,000 and N120,000 in cash.
The suspects were tracked to a hotel in Magboro through intelligence gathering, while a Toyota Camry allegedly used during the operation was recovered.
The victim was said to have identified the suspects, with investigations continuing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen items.
The command also arrested Ankpa James over an alleged travel scam after a 21-year-old complainant accused him of collecting N1.276 million with a promise to facilitate his relocation to Luxembourg.
According to the police, the suspect was arrested after a distress report was received through the Gateway Shield emergency platform.
During interrogation, he allegedly admitted to the offence, while N1.1 million was recovered and released to the complainant on bond.
He is expected to face prosecution after investigations are concluded.
Similarly, operatives of the Adatan Division apprehended Tunde Ogunseye during a joint operation with other security agencies over alleged cult-related activities.
The police alleged that Ogunseye attempted to attack security personnel with a locally made pistol before he was overpowered.
A subsequent search of his residence reportedly led to the recovery of another locally fabricated firearm, while preliminary findings linked him to the Eiye Confraternity and the alleged sale of illicit drugs.
In a separate operation, officers attached to the Ode-Remo Division foiled an attempted robbery targeting students at Itun-Raye, Ode-Remo.
According to the police, the suspected robbers fled into a nearby bush after sighting security operatives, abandoning a locally made Dane gun, two expended cartridges, an HP EliteBook laptop, 17 mobile phones, power banks and other personal belongings.
The recovered phones comprised nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android devices and one Itel handset.
The command added that Owodunni Seun was later arrested near the scene after he allegedly failed to give a satisfactory account of his presence in the area. Investigators described him as a repeat offender who had previously been convicted for receiving stolen property and said he was assisting with ongoing investigations.
Commending the officers for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention and collaboration with other security agencies.
He warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, while urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support the fight against crime across the state.