By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has dismantled several criminal networks and arrested six suspects in a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across Abeokuta, Wasimi, and Ibafo.
The operations, conducted by the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, and Ibafo Division, led to the arrest of Afisu Awesu, Bala Aminu, Moruf Sodiq, popularly known as “Okiki,” Mumuni Amodu, also known as “Stone,” Abayomi John, alias “Ibafo,” and Adeboye Ojesina.
Police said the coordinated operations disrupted criminal activities linked to illegal possession of firearms, armed intimidation, theft, conspiracy, and receiving stolen property. Recovered items 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.
Generator Theft Syndicate Busted
According to the Command, operatives of the VCRU acted on credible intelligence on May 30, 2026, and arrested Moruf Sodiq, a suspected member of a generator theft syndicate operating in Abeokuta and surrounding areas.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly led detectives to Mumuni Amodu, identified as a receiver of stolen property. A search conducted at the location resulted in the recovery of four Elepaq generators, one Sumec Fireman generator, and nine Android mobile phones suspected to have been recently stolen.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Abayomi John, a motorcyclist alleged to have provided transportation and logistical support to members of the syndicate during their operations.
Police said investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the network.
SWAT Recovers Firearms, Ammunition
In a separate operation on June 12, 2026, SWAT operatives arrested 58-year-old Adeboye Ojesina over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and intimidation of residents in Wasimi and nearby communities.
A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a pump-action rifle, two live cartridges, and one expended cartridge.
The suspect initially denied ownership of the weapons but later claimed he found the pistol within the area and fired a round to test its functionality. He also alleged that the pump-action rifle was handed over to him by an unidentified individual who is currently being traced by security operatives.
Police said efforts are underway to apprehend other persons connected to the case.
Vehicle Parts Theft Network Uncovered
On June 13, 2026, operatives attached to the Ibafo Division responded to a complaint of theft at a site located in Igbeti Sote Village, via Ibafo.
The investigation led to the arrest of Afisu Awesu, who was allegedly caught attempting to steal a forklift engine component alongside an accomplice who escaped from the scene.
Further inquiries revealed that the suspects had previously stolen forklift tyres from the same location and sold them to Bala Aminu of Kara, Ibafo.
Detectives subsequently arrested Aminu for allegedly receiving stolen property.
The police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network. The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, praised the professionalism, swift response, and operational efficiency of the VCRU, SWAT, and Ibafo Division.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and sustained efforts to deny criminal elements any safe haven within the state, assuring residents of continued proactive security measures and rapid response to threats.
