The Oyo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected goods diversion syndicate operating within the state, arresting two suspects and recovering a truckload of diverted guinea corn valued at about ₦32 million.
The development was contained in a press statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
The breakthrough, according to the Command, is part of its sustained intelligence-led operations aimed at combating crime, protecting legitimate commercial activities, and safeguarding the state’s economy from criminal elements.
A statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka said the operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, acted on credible intelligence to storm the hideout of the suspected syndicate in the Irepo area of Oyo Town.
During the operation, two suspects identified as Olawale Kareem, 40, and Ogunbiyi Monday, 46, were arrested for their alleged involvement in the illegal diversion and unlawful conversion of goods in transit.
The police also recovered an IVECO truck/trailer with registration number MUS 809 XY (Lagos) loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn, which had allegedly been diverted while being transported from Kaduna State.
The statement stated further that, the recovered consignment has an estimated market value of ₦32 million.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of a criminal syndicate specializing in diverting goods meant for delivery to their rightful owners and unlawfully converting them for personal financial gain.
The Command disclosed that both suspects have confessed to their respective roles in the criminal operation and are currently assisting investigators with useful information to facilitate the arrest of other members of the syndicate still at large.
Police authorities also stated that efforts are ongoing to recover additional diverted goods believed to be linked to the activities of the criminal network.
Commending the professionalism and prompt response of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and legitimate commercial activities across the state.
The Commissioner warned individuals and groups involved in economic sabotage, goods diversion, and other criminal enterprises to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.
He stressed that the Oyo State Police Command would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and proactive policing strategies aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that Oyo State remains safe for businesses and investors.
CP Olugbenga also appealed to transporters, logistics operators, business owners, and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to the police through the appropriate channels.
“The Oyo State Police Command remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within the state,” the statement added.
The Command further assured residents that investigations into the case are continuing, while efforts to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen goods are being intensified.
The statement encouraged members of the public to report emergencies and security-related information through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line 615 or the Police Command Control Room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413.
