The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered three stolen vehicles as well as a pistol in a major breakthrough against a vehicle theft and armed robbery syndicate operating within Ogun and neighbouring states.
The suspects, identified as Hammed Olarewaju, Adedokun Ayinde and Adedokun Adewusi, were arrested by detectives attached to the Anti-Robbery Squad of the command following what police described as a discreet, intelligence-driven operation.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operation was launched after reports of vehicle theft across parts of the state, prompting detectives to intensify surveillance and investigation into the activities of suspected car snatchers.
Police said the investigation first led to the arrest of Hammed Olarewaju, who was allegedly found in possession of a suspicious vehicle plate number. His arrest reportedly provided useful leads that led operatives to apprehend Adedokun Ayinde, described by investigators as the leader of a suspected armed robbery syndicate.
During the operation, detectives recovered a Toyota Sienna said to have been stolen by the syndicate, alongside a fabricated pistol believed to have been used in carrying out their operations.
In a related development, police also recovered a Toyota Corolla earlier stolen in Ilaro. The vehicle was reportedly traced to one Arowolo Taoreed in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Similarly, operatives arrested Adedokun Adewusi in connection with another armed robbery incident. Further investigation led to the recovery of a stolen grey 2017 Lexus RX 350 F-Sport, which was traced to Abuja.
Police also disclosed that a pistol recovered in Ajah, Lagos State, has been linked to the same criminal network.
Preliminary investigation, according to the command, indicates that the suspects are members of a coordinated syndicate involved in vehicle theft and armed robbery operations across Ogun State and neighbouring states.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional stolen vehicles believed to be in circulation.
Commending the operatives for what he described as a professional and intelligence-led operation, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to crime prevention and public safety.
Ojajuni also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies through the command’s emergency lines.
The command listed its toll-free Gateway Shield line as 0800 000 9111, while other emergency contact numbers include 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369 and 0708 497 2994.
