The Ogun State Police Command has arrested 16 suspects and recovered stolen vehicles, illegally refined petroleum products, and vandalized telecommunications equipment during its ongoing “Operation KOSAYE.”
According to the command, the operations carried out between July 12 and July 21, 2026, led to major successes in tackling crimes including illegal diesel bunkering, vandalism of critical infrastructure, burglary, defilement, and vehicle hijacking.
Among those arrested are Kabiru Afolabi, 51; Nnabike Uzolo, 26; Chino Mgbenya, 28; Hammed Olanrewaju; Emmanuel Victor; Mathew Mark, 20; Sodiq Raji, 32; Zubby Nzube, 28; Adeyemi Omoyajuowo, 30; and Chimezie Iwuanya, 35.
Others are Saliu Akinwande, 50, Ayomide Odufuwa, 27, Adura Adebanjo, 26, Samuel Sunday, 25, Bashiru and Muhammed.
Confirming the arrests, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, on Saturday said, the operations were carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, in line with the IGP’s intelligence-led policing agenda.
Babaseyi disclosed that on 21st July, 2026, operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics, SWAT, Unit busted a suspected diesel bunkering syndicate, at Abule-Iroko, Sango, leading to the arrest of one, Kabiru Afolabi, 51.
He noted that four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil, thirteen 25-litre jerry cans containing suspected diesel, one pumping machine, and one generator allegedly used in the illegal operation were recovered.
The statement reads, “The operations resulted in the arrest of 16 suspects for offences bordering on suspected illegal petroleum product dealings, vandalism of critical national infrastructure, burglary, house-breaking, theft, receiving stolen property, and defilement.
“On 12th July, 2026, at about 0700hrs, detectives attached to the Ota Division acted on credible intelligence received from a member of the public that two suspects were allegedly vandalising a telecommunications mast cable at Ten Ten Street, Mine, Ota.
“The detectives swiftly mobilised to the scene and arrested Nnabike Uzolo ‘M’, aged 26 years, and Chino Mgbenya ‘M’, aged 28 years, a commercial motorcyclist, in connection with the incident.
“On 21st July, 2026, at about 1900hrs, detectives attached to the Idanyin Division responded to a report of burglary at a commercial establishment. Swift investigation led to the arrest of Hammed Olanrewaju ‘M’ and Emmanuel Victor ‘M’, while part of the stolen property was recovered from the receiver’s shop.
“Following a report received on 3rd July, 2026, at about 1330hrs, concerning the theft of a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, detectives attached to the Ajuwon Division carried out a painstaking investigation, which culminated in the arrest of Mathew Mark ‘M’, aged 20 years, and the successful recovery of the stolen motorcycle.
“Following the investigation of a house-breaking incident reported on 5th July, 2026, forensic tracking of one of the stolen mobile phones led detectives attached to the Agbado Division to Sodiq Raji ‘M’, aged 32 years, whose arrest further led to the apprehension of Zubby Nzube ‘M’, aged 28 years, Adeyemi Omoyajuowo ‘M’, aged 30 years, and Chimezie Iwuanya ‘M’, aged 35 years.
“On 21st July, 2026, at about 2030hrs, detectives attached to the Agbado Division arrested Saliu Akinwande ‘M’, aged 50 years over allegations of defiling an 11-year-old girl. The victim was immediately taken for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for discreet investigation and prosecution.
“On 19th July, 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.
“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.
“On 21st July, 2026, at about 1145hrs, operatives attached to the Atan Ijebu Division recovered an abandoned bus following credible information received from members of the public. The vehicle has been removed to the station for safekeeping pending identification and contact of the rightful owner.
“In separate operations carried out between 13th and 21st July, 2026, detectives attached to the Atan Ijebu Division arrested Ayomide Odufuwa ‘M’, aged 27 years; Adura Adebanjo ‘F’, aged 26 years; Samuel Sunday ‘M’, aged 25 years; Bashiru ‘M’; and Muhammed ‘M’ in connection with separate burglary and house-breaking incidents.
Babaseyi said investigation is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicates, while some suspects have already been charged to court.
CP Ojajuni commended the officers for their professionalism and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining Operation KOSAYE through intelligence, patrols and community partnership.
