The Ondo State Police Command has successfully recovered a stolen truck and apprehended five suspected members of a robbery gang believed to be operating across multiple states in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, revealed that the breakthrough followed an extensive investigation into the armed robbery attack on Dollar Boys Global Investment, a private company in Akure.
The incident, which occurred on February 8, 2023, saw a group of armed men invade the company’s premises at Okuta, Elerinla area of Akure around 1 a.m. The assailants reportedly overpowered security personnel, inflicted injuries, and made away with a white DAF truck identified by its registration number T94121 and chassis number XLRTE85COF572200, along with other items.
According to DSP Ayanlade, the investigation was triggered by a formal complaint lodged with the Commissioner of Police on May 23, 2025. Officers from the Anti-Kidnapping Squad launched a coordinated, intelligence-based operation that led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle in Jigawa State, where one suspect was initially arrested.
Further operations extended into Kano State, where two additional suspects were picked up from different locations in Rimi Gado and Shanono Local Government Areas. The final leg of the manhunt led officers to Sokoto State, where two more suspects were apprehended and the stolen truck fully recovered.
Police investigations revealed that the gang had attempted to conceal the crime by tampering with the truck’s physical features and identification numbers, in an effort to avoid detection.
“This operation is a major success and reflects our commitment to proactive, intelligence-led policing,” the Command stated. “We want to reassure the public that criminal elements who attempt to escape justice in Ondo State will be pursued and brought to face the law, regardless of where they run to.”
The police noted that the suspects are in custody and further investigations are ongoing.
This operation is in line with the Inspector General of Police’s vision for a security system rooted in professionalism, community focus, and respect for the rule of law.
The Command also encouraged citizens to report suspicious activity and assist the police in maintaining law and order across the state.