Police nab truck diversion syndicates, recover N60m stolen goods

The Zone 2 Police Command in Lagos State has dismantled two major criminal syndicates specializing in the theft and diversion of goods in transit, arresting nine suspects and recovering stolen items valued at over N60 million. The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) in charge of the zone, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, announced the successful operation, which targeted criminal networks that divert goods to illegal receivers and black-market buyers.

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The operation, carried out on May 15, led to the arrest of nine suspects who are between the ages of 42 and 62.

The operation, conducted on May 15, led to the apprehension of suspects aged between 42 and 62. Preliminary investigations indicate that the syndicates operated in collusion with truck drivers and their assistants. These individuals allegedly diverted shipments before selling them at reduced prices to illicit buyers, often abandoning the trucks at strategic locations to evade capture.

Among the recovered goods were two trucks, each carrying 45,000 liters of molasses chemical, valued at approximately N11 million per truck. One truck was intercepted while the product was being transferred to a receiver in the Itokin area of Lagos. The second truck and its contents were later found at a trailer park in Ogere, Ogun State, as the suspects sought a buyer.

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Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicates worked in collaboration with truck drivers and their assistants, who allegedly diverted goods in transit before selling them to receivers at reduced prices.

In a related development, detectives uncovered another syndicate responsible for diverting a trailer load of dairy products worth about N28 million. The goods, originally destined for Jos from Sagamu, were diverted to the Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State and sold. Police managed to recover the products before they were completely disposed of.

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The police boss said the suspects usually abandoned the trucks at strategic locations after carrying out the transactions in a bid to evade arrest.

AIG Jimoh has ordered an intensified investigation to apprehend any remaining members of these syndicates. He reassured the residents of Lagos and Ogun states of the command's commitment to combating economic sabotage and other criminal activities that threaten commercial operations in the region. The arrested suspects are expected to be arraigned in court once the investigations are concluded.

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Jimoh estimated the value of each truck loaded with molasses chemical at N11 million.