The Oyo State Police Command has dismantled a suspected criminal syndicate involved in diverting goods in transit, recovering a truckload of guinea corn valued at about N32 million and arresting two suspects during an intelligence-led operation in Oyo town.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, followed credible intelligence that led officers to the syndicate’s hideout in the Irepo area of Oyo town.
Police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan, said the raid led to the arrest of Olawale Kareem, 40, and Ogunbiyi Monday, 46, who are believed to be members of a criminal network specialising in the diversion and unlawful conversion of goods being transported across the country.
According to the statement, officers recovered an IVECO truck/trailer bearing registration number MUS 809 XY (Lagos) loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn that had allegedly been diverted while being transported from Kaduna State.
The recovered consignment is estimated to be worth approximately N32 million.
Ayanlade disclosed that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were part of an organised syndicate that diverted commercial goods for unlawful financial gain.
He added that the suspects had confessed to their individual roles in the alleged crime, while investigations have been expanded to identify and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
“Operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the hideout of a criminal syndicate allegedly specializing in the diversion and unlawful conversion of goods in transit,” the statement said.
He noted that efforts were ongoing to recover additional diverted goods believed to be connected to the criminal enterprise.
The police spokesperson described the successful operation as a reflection of the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and its determination to dismantle criminal networks that threaten economic activities and public safety in the state.
Reacting to the development, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, commended the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response to actionable intelligence.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives, property and legitimate commercial activities across Oyo State, warning those involved in economic sabotage and related crimes that they would be prosecuted.
The Commissioner also urged transporters, logistics operators, business owners and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
According to the statement, the command remains determined to ensure that criminal elements have no haven anywhere in Oyo State.
