The Ogun State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on criminal activities with the arrest of seven suspected criminals involved in armed robbery, “one-chance” robbery, travel fraud, unlawful possession of firearms and cult-related activities across different parts of the state.
The Command said the coordinated intelligence-led operations, carried out by operatives attached to the Ilaro Area Command and the Ibafo, Mowe, Adatan and Ode-Remo Divisions, also led to the recovery of a stolen Toyota Venza, three firearms, a Toyota Camry allegedly used by a one-chance robbery syndicate, 17 stolen mobile phones, an HP EliteBook laptop, two expended cartridges, three power banks, a rechargeable touch light and N1.1 million recovered from a suspected travel fraudster.
The suspects were identified as Bola Salau, 42; Segun Balogun, 25; Emmanuel Friday; Tunde Abioye; Ankpa James; Tunde Ogunseye, 41; and Owodunni Seun, 36.
In a statement released on Sunday by the command spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Police described the operations as another significant success in the Command’s ongoing campaign against violent crime and other criminal activities across Ogun State.
According to the Command, operatives attached to the Ilaro Area Command arrested Salau and Balogun during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Oja-Odan/Ilaro Road after intercepting a blue Toyota Venza with Lagos registration number.
The suspects reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their possession of the vehicle, prompting detectives to conduct a detailed search.
The search led to the discovery of the vehicle’s original registration documents hidden beneath the carpet. Further investigation traced the rightful owner to Ede, Osun State, where it was confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen during an armed robbery attack on June 23, 2026.
According to police, about five armed men invaded the victim’s residence, robbed him and members of his family of valuables before escaping with the vehicle.
In another operation, detectives attached to the Ibafo Division dismantled a suspected one-chance robbery syndicate operating around the Magboro axis 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 cash.
Acting on credible intelligence, police traced the suspects to a hotel in Magboro, where Emmanuel Friday and Tunde Abioye were arrested.
A Toyota Camry allegedly used by the syndicate for its operations was recovered, while the victim positively identified the suspects.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional stolen property.
Similarly, operatives of the Mowe Division arrested Ankpa James over allegations of obtaining N1.276 million from a 21-year-old victim under the false pretence of facilitating his travel to Luxembourg.
The arrest followed a distress report received through the Command’s Gateway Shield emergency platform.
Police said the suspect admitted involvement during interrogation, while N1.1 million was recovered and returned to the complainant on bond pending the conclusion of investigations.
In Adatan, police operatives, working in collaboration with other security agencies, arrested suspected cult member Tunde Ogunseye during a coordinated raid.
The suspect allegedly attempted to attack security operatives with a locally fabricated pistol before he was subdued and disarmed.
A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of another locally fabricated pistol.
Police said preliminary investigations linked the suspect to the Eiye Confraternity and alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking. He has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation and prosecution.
In another major operation, operatives attached to the Ode-Remo Division foiled an armed robbery attack targeting students at Itun-Raye, Ode-Remo.
Responding to a distress call, police patrol teams, supported by local vigilantes, stormed the scene, forcing the armed hoodlums to flee into a nearby bush.
During the pursuit, the fleeing suspects abandoned several items believed to have been stolen from victims.
Recovered exhibits included one locally made Dane gun, two expended cartridges, an HP EliteBook laptop, three power banks, a rechargeable touch light and 17 mobile phones comprising nine iPhones, seven Samsung Android phones and one Itel Android phone.
Police also recovered clothing items and other personal belongings believed to belong to victims of the robbery.
In a follow-up operation, officers arrested Owodunni Seun after he was found loitering suspiciously around the crime scene.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a habitual offender previously convicted of receiving stolen property.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended officers for their professionalism, courage and swift response, describing the operations as evidence of the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention.
He assured residents that the Command would sustain pressure on criminal elements through strategic operations and stronger collaboration with other security agencies.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and facilitating the arrest of criminal suspects across the state.