The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of a syndicate and recovered a truck loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn valued at about N32m.
The suspects, Olawale Kareem, 40, and Ogunbiyi Monday, 46, were arrested by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation followed intelligence on the activities of the syndicate involved in diverting goods in transit.
The police said the operatives stormed a hideout in the Irepo area of Oyo Town, where the two suspects were arrested.
During the operation, officers recovered an IVECO truck/trailer with registration number MUS 809 XY (Lagos), loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn allegedly diverted while being transported from Kaduna State. The recovered goods are valued at approximately N32,000,000.
In the statement, DSP Olayinka said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of a syndicate engaged in the diversion of goods for unlawful financial gain. 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.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities across the state.
The Commissioner said, “The Oyo State Police Command remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting lives, property, and commercial activities across the State.” He also warned that “individuals involved in economic sabotage and other criminal acts should desist or face the full weight of the law.”
The Command urged transporters, logistics operators, business owners and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
It assured residents that it would continue efforts to prevent criminal elements from operating freely in Oyo State.
(The Whistler)