Police Nab 16 Suspects For Bunkering, Defilement, Vandalism In Ogun
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 16 suspects for alleged offences ranging from illegal petroleum product dealings and vandalism to burglary, theft, receiving stolen property and defilement in a renewed offensive under Operation Kosaye.
The command said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations, prompt responses to distress calls, forensic investigations and coordinated tactical raids carried out across different parts of the state.
Items recovered during the operations include two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle, four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil, 13 jerry cans containing suspected diesel, a pumping machine, a generator and other exhibits.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Abeokuta, saying the operations reflected the command’s sustained efforts to combat crime and protect critical national infrastructure.
Babaseyi said, “On July 21, 2026, at about 2030hrs, detectives attached to the Agbado Division arrested Saliu Akinwande, 50, over allegations of defiling an 11-year-old girl.”
He stated that the victim was immediately taken for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation and prosecution.
Babaseyi also said operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit on July 21 arrested a 51-year-old suspect, Kabiru Afolabi, at Abule-Iroko, Sango, following intelligence on the activities of a suspected diesel bunkering syndicate.
Some of the suspects. Photo: Ogun Police Command
He said, “Recovered during the operation were four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 13 25-litre jerry cans containing suspected diesel, one pumping machine and one generator allegedly used in the illegal operation.”
Babaseyi disclosed that investigations had commenced to apprehend other members of the syndicate and unravel the network behind the illegal activities.
He added that on July 12, 2026, at about 0700hrs, detectives attached to the Ota Division, acting on credible intelligence, arrested two suspects, Nnabike Uzolo, 26, and Chino Mgbenya, 28, a commercial motorcyclist, for allegedly vandalising a telecommunications mast cable at Ten Ten Street, Mine, Ota.
Babaseyi explained, “Following a thorough investigation, the suspects were charged in court for the alleged offence.”
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure and warned that anyone found engaging in acts of vandalism would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Also, on July 21, 2026, at about 1900hrs, detectives attached to the Idanyin Division responded to a report of burglary at a commercial establishment.
The PPRO said a swift investigation led to the arrest of Hammed Olanrewaju and Emmanuel Victor, while part of the stolen property was recovered from the suspected receiver’s shop.
Babaseyi also disclosed that following a report received on July 3, 2026, at about 1330hrs, concerning the theft of a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, detectives attached to the Ajuwon Division carried out a painstaking investigation leading to the arrest of Mathew Mark, 20, and the recovery of the stolen motorcycle.
The suspect remains in police custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
He further explained that following a house-breaking incident reported on July 5, 2026, forensic tracking of one of the stolen mobile phones led detectives attached to the Agbado Division to Sodiq Raji, 32, whose arrest further led to the apprehension of Zubby Nzube, 28, Adeyemi Omoyajuowo, 30, and Chimezie Iwuanya, 35.
Some of the stolen property was recovered, while investigations continue to recover other exhibits and apprehend fleeing accomplices.
The PPRO added that on July 19, 2026, at about 0430hrs, operatives attached to the Ijebu Imushin Division swiftly responded to information that armed hoodlums had hijacked a mini truck conveying aluminium doors and window frames along the Benin/Ore Expressway.
He said, “On sighting the police, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest. The truck was successfully recovered and released to its owner, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”
Babaseyi further explained that on July 21, 2026, at about 1145hrs, operatives attached to the Atan-Ijebu Division recovered an abandoned bus following credible information received from members of the public.
Some of the suspects. Photo: Ogun Police Command
The vehicle was removed to the station for safekeeping pending the identification and contact of the rightful owner.
In separate operations carried out between July 13 and July 21, 2026, detectives attached to the Atan-Ijebu Division arrested Ayomide Odufuwa, 27; Adura Adebanjo, 26; Samuel Sunday, 25; Bashiru; and Muhammed in connection with separate burglary and house-breaking incidents.
The operations led to the recovery of stolen clothing, household items, bedding materials and other exhibits, while investigations are ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, however, commended the officers and men involved in the successful operations for their professionalism, vigilance, prompt response and unwavering dedication to duty.
Ojajuni reaffirmed that the command remains resolute in sustaining the momentum of Operation Kosaye through intelligence-led policing, enhanced visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, forensic investigations and robust community partnership to deny criminal elements any operating space within Ogun State.
The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and facilitating prompt operational response.
He assured residents that the command would continue to intensify Operation Kosaye and other proactive policing strategies to ensure the safety and security of lives, property and critical national assets across the state.
