Operation Kosaye yields major breakthrough as Ogun Police nab 16 suspects

The Ogun State Police Command has recorded fresh operational successes under its ongoing Operation Kosaye Advance Offensive, arresting 16 suspects for various offences, including illegal petroleum product dealings, vandalism of critical national infrastructure, burglary, house-breaking, theft, receiving stolen property and defilement.

The Command said the operations, carried out through intelligence-led policing, prompt response to distress calls, forensic investigations and tactical deployments, also led to the recovery of stolen vehicles, a motorcycle, suspected illegally refined petroleum products and other exhibits linked to criminal activities across the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the Command said the latest breakthroughs align with the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, and the crime-fighting initiatives of the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni.

According to the statement, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit arrested a 51-year-old suspect, Kabiru Afolabi, during a raid on an alleged diesel bunkering operation at Abule-Iroko, Sango, on July 21.

Police recovered four drums containing suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), thirteen 25-litre jerry cans of suspected diesel, a pumping machine and a generator allegedly used in the illegal operation.

The Command said investigations are ongoing to dismantle the suspected bunkering syndicate and apprehend other members of the network.

In another operation, detectives attached to the Ota Division arrested two suspects, Nnabike Uzolo, 26, and Chino Mgbenya, 28, for allegedly vandalising telecommunications infrastructure at Ten Ten Street, Mine, Ota.

The suspects were reportedly apprehended following credible intelligence from a member of the public and have since been charged to court after investigations.

The Idanyin Division also arrested two suspects following a reported burglary at a commercial establishment on July 21. Police identified the suspects as Hammed Olanrewaju and Emmanuel Victor, adding that part of the stolen property was recovered from the receiver’s shop while efforts continue to recover other stolen items and identify additional accomplices.

At the Ajuwon Division, detectives recovered a stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle and arrested a 20-year-old suspect, Mathew Mark, in connection with the theft. The suspect remains in custody pending prosecution.

The Command also recorded a major breakthrough through forensic tracking technology after detectives at the Agbado Division traced one of the stolen mobile phones from a house-breaking incident reported on July 5.

The investigation led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Sodiq Raji, 32, Zubby Nzube, 28, Adeyemi Omoyajuowo, 30, and Chimezie Iwuanya, 35. Police said some of the stolen items had been recovered while efforts were ongoing to apprehend fleeing accomplices.

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In a separate case, detectives from the Agbado Division arrested a 50-year-old suspect, Saliu Akinwande, over the alleged defilement of an 11-year-old girl.

According to the police, the victim was immediately taken for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation and prosecution.

Elsewhere, operatives attached to the Ijebu Imushin Division foiled the hijacking of a mini truck conveying aluminium doors and window frames along the Benin/Ore Expressway.

Police said suspected armed hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest upon sighting officers responding to the incident. The recovered truck has since been returned to its owner, while efforts are underway to arrest the fleeing suspects.

The Atan Ijebu Division also recovered an abandoned bus after receiving credible information from members of the public. The vehicle has been secured pending identification of its rightful owner.

In separate operations conducted between July 13 and July 21, detectives from the same division arrested five suspects—Ayomide Odufuwa, Adura Adebanjo, Samuel Sunday, Bashiru and Muhammed—in connection with burglary and house-breaking incidents.

The operations led to the recovery of stolen clothing, household appliances, bedding materials and other exhibits, while investigations continue.

Commending the officers involved in the successful operations, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised their professionalism, vigilance and dedication to duty.

He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain the momentum of Operation Kosaye through intelligence-led policing, enhanced visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, forensic investigations and stronger collaboration with members of the public.

The Commissioner urged residents of Ogun State to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the police, assuring that the Command would intensify proactive policing strategies to protect lives, property and critical national infrastructure across the state.