Authorities seize N32m worth of stolen items in Oyo, apprehend two alleged culprits

The Oyo State Police Command has successfully raided a hideout of a criminal syndicate accused of diverting and unlawfully converting goods in transit in Oyo town, resulting in the recovery of goods worth N32 million and the arrest of two suspects, namely Olawale Kareem, 40, and Ogunbiyi Monday, 46.

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A statement issued by the command's spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Thursday, revealed that the operation led to the recovery of an IVECO truck/trailer with registration number MUS 809 XY, which was loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn that had allegedly been diverted from Kaduna State.

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Preliminary investigations have shown that the suspects were part of a syndicate involved in the diversion of goods for financial gain, according to Ayanlade, who emphasized that the command is committed to intelligence-led policing and dismantling criminal networks that threaten economic security.

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The operation was carried out by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, who acted on credible intelligence to storm the hideout of the criminal syndicate in the Irepo area of Oyo Town, leading to the arrest of the two suspects and the recovery of the diverted goods.

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The recovered goods, valued at approximately N32 million, were found to be 570 bags of guinea corn that had been diverted while being transported from Kaduna State, and the suspects have confessed to their roles in the crime.

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Efforts are currently underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover any additional diverted goods linked to the criminal enterprise, according to the statement.

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Olugbenga Abimbola, the state Commissioner of Police, has commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response to intelligence, reaffirming the command's commitment to protecting lives, property, and commercial activities across the state.

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Abimbola warned individuals involved in economic sabotage and other criminal acts to desist or face the full weight of the law, and urged transporters, logistics operators, business owners, and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through the appropriate channels.

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The command has reaffirmed its resolve to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within the state, according to the statement.