Police smash criminal networks, arrest six suspects in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command says it has arrested six suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, generators and mobile phones in a series of intelligence-led operations targeting criminal networks across Abeokuta, Wasimi and Ibafo.

The command disclosed this in a press statement posted on its official Facebook account on Wednesday, stating that coordinated operations by the Violent Crime Response Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, and Ibafo Division led to the disruption of criminal networks involved in illegal possession of firearms, theft, conspiracy, armed intimidation and receiving stolen property.

According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operations resulted in the arrest of Afisu Awesu, Bala Aminu, Moruf Sodiq, also known as “Okiki”, Mumuni Amodu, also known as “Stone”, Abayomi John, also known as “Ibafo”, and Adeboye Ojesina.

The police said exhibits recovered during the operations included one pump-action rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, five generators and nine Android mobile phones suspected to have been stolen.

In one of the operations, the command said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit acted on credible intelligence on May 30 and arrested Moruf Sodiq, popularly known as “Okiki”, over his alleged involvement in a generator theft syndicate operating within Abeokuta and surrounding areas.

“Acting on credible and time-sensitive intelligence on May 30, 2026, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit swiftly trailed and arrested Moruf Sodiq ‘M’ alias ‘Okiki’, a key suspect linked to a coordinated generator theft network operating within Abeokuta and environs,” the statement read.

According to the police, the suspect subsequently led operatives to Mumuni Amodu, alias “Stone”, who was identified as a receiver of stolen property.

“A swift search of the premises led to the recovery of four Elepaq generators, one Sumec Fireman generator, and nine Android mobile phones suspected to have been recently stolen,” the statement added.

The police further disclosed that operatives later arrested Abayomi John, alias “Ibafo”, a motorcyclist alleged to have provided transportation and logistics support to members of the syndicate during their operations.

“In a further breakthrough, operatives arrested Abayomi John ‘M’ alias ‘Ibafo’, a motorcyclist who allegedly provided rapid logistics support, conveying suspects to targeted locations during operations,” the statement said.

“The suspects are currently in custody while discreet investigation continues to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate,” the police added.

In a separate operation, the command said SWAT operatives arrested 58-year-old Adeboye Ojesina on June 12 over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and the use of weapons to threaten residents in Wasimi and neighbouring communities.

“On June 12, 2026, acting on credible and actionable intelligence, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit swiftly apprehended Mr Adeboye Ojesina ‘M’, aged 58 years, in connection with unlawful possession of firearms and alleged use of same to threaten residents within Wasimi and adjoining communities,” the statement read.

The police said a search conducted after his arrest led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a pump-action rifle, two live cartridges and one expended cartridge.

“A prompt search led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, one pump-action rifle, two live cartridges, and one expended cartridge,” the statement said.

“The suspect initially denied ownership but later made a statement claiming he recovered the pistol within the area and discharged a round to test its functionality, while also alleging the pump-action rifle was handed over to him by an unidentified individual currently being trailed by operatives,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, operatives attached to Ibafo Division reportedly uncovered a vehicle parts theft network following a complaint received on June 13 regarding theft at a site in Igbeti Sote Village via Ibafo.

The police said detectives intercepted Afisu Awesu while he was allegedly attempting to steal a forklift engine component alongside an accomplice who escaped from the scene.

“Further rapid investigation revealed that the suspects had earlier stolen forklift tyres from the same location and disposed of same to Bala Aminu ‘M’ of Kara, Ibafo. Acting without delay, detectives arrested Bala Aminu as the alleged receiver of stolen property,” the statement said.

The command noted that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the remaining members of the network.

Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, praised the swift response, professionalism and operational efficiency of the VCRU, SWAT and Ibafo Division.

He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and sustained action against criminal elements across the state.

The police commissioner assured residents of continued proactive policing and swift responses to security threats, reaffirming the command’s “unwavering commitment to rapid, intelligence-driven policing and sustained pressure on criminal elements to ensure they have no space to operate within Ogun State.”