Ogun State Police Command has recorded fresh operational successes under its ongoing Operation KOSAYE, with the arrest of 16 suspects linked to various criminal offences across the state.
The Command said the arrests followed coordinated intelligence gathering, swift responses to distress calls, forensic investigations and sustained tactical operations aimed at tackling crime and protecting residents.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation aligns with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni.
The police disclosed that the suspects were arrested for offences ranging from suspected illegal petroleum product dealings, vandalism of critical national infrastructure, burglary, house-breaking, theft, receiving stolen property and defilement. Officers also recovered two vehicles, a stolen motorcycle, four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 13 jerry cans containing suspected diesel, a pumping machine, a generator and other exhibits.
One of the major operations was carried out on July 21 at Abule-Iroko, Sango, where operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested a 51-year-old suspect, Kabiru Afolabi, over alleged involvement in illegal diesel bunkering. Police said the recovered petroleum products and equipment were allegedly being used for the illicit operation, while investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.
In another breakthrough, detectives attached to the Ota Division arrested two suspects, Nnabike Uzolo and Chino Mgbenya, for allegedly vandalising telecommunications infrastructure in Ota. Following investigations, the suspects were charged to court.
The Idanyin Division also arrested two suspects in connection with a burglary at a commercial establishment, recovering part of the stolen property, while detectives from the Ajuwon Division recovered a stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle and arrested a 20-year-old suspect during their investigation.
The Command further recorded success through forensic tracking after detectives from the Agbado Division arrested four suspected burglars linked to a house-breaking incident. Some of the stolen property has been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to recover additional items and apprehend other fleeing suspects.
In a separate development, Agbado Division detectives arrested a 50-year-old man over allegations of defiling an 11-year-old girl. The victim was taken for medical treatment, while the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution.
Police operatives attached to the Ijebu Imushin Division also foiled the hijacking of a mini truck transporting aluminium doors and window frames along the Benin/Ore Expressway. The suspects reportedly fled into a nearby forest after sighting police officers, abandoning the vehicle, which was later recovered and returned to its owner.
Similarly, officers at the Atan Ijebu Division recovered an abandoned bus following information from members of the public. In separate operations within the division, five suspects were arrested in connection with burglary and house-breaking cases, leading to the recovery of stolen clothing, household items, bedding materials and other exhibits.
Commending officers involved in the operations, CP Bode Ojajuni praised their dedication and professionalism.
He 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 investigation, and robust community partnership to deny criminal elements any operating space within Ogun State.”
The Commissioner also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing useful information capable of preventing crime.
He assured 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.”
