Police recover N32m diverted goods in Oyo, arrest two suspects

The Oyo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a criminal syndicate specializing in the diversion of goods in transit, recovering an estimated N32 million worth of merchandise and arresting two suspects. The operation, conducted in the Irepo area of Oyo Town, targeted individuals allegedly involved in the unlawful conversion of goods being transported across the country.

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In furtherance of this commitment, 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.

During the sting operation, police operatives intercepted an IVECO truck/trailer loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn. Preliminary investigations suggest the cargo had been diverted while en route from Kaduna State. The arrested suspects, identified as Olawale Kareem, 40, and Ogunbiyi Monday, 46, have reportedly confessed to their roles in the scheme. Authorities are actively pursuing other members of the syndicate and seeking to recover any additional diverted goods.

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The operation also resulted in the recovery of an IVECO truck/trailer with registration number MUS 809 XY (Lagos), loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn that had allegedly been diverted while being transported from Kaduna State.

This successful operation highlights the command's dedication to intelligence-led policing and its resolve to dismantle networks that threaten economic security. The recovered consignment of guinea corn alone is valued at approximately N32 million, indicating the significant scale of the criminal enterprise.

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They have confessed to their respective roles in the crime, while concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover any additional diverted goods linked to the criminal enterprise.

Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Olugbenga Abimbola, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response. He reiterated the command's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and commercial activities within the state. Abimbola issued a stern warning to those engaged in economic sabotage and other criminal acts, vowing to apply the full force of the law. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in Oyo State.

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The command equally urges transporters, logistics operators, business owners, and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the appropriate channels. It remains resolute in ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within the state.