Ogun Police Foil Cross-Border Vehicle Smuggling Attempt, Recover Stolen Company Bus.
Ogun Police Foil Cross-Border Vehicle Smuggling Attempt, Recover Stolen Company Bus.
Lucky Akra
Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have foiled an alleged cross-border vehicle trafficking operation and arrested two suspects over the attempted smuggling of a stolen 28 seater Toyota Coaster bus into the Benin Republic.
The suspects, identified as Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38, were apprehended by officers attached to the Ogun State Police Command following an intelligence led operation in the Babaloke area of Idiroko.
According to police authorities, the operation was carried out at about 11:00 p.m. on June 12 after credible intelligence revealed that the suspects had positioned the vehicle near the border and were preparing to move it into the Benin Republic for illegal disposal.
The operation was led by Adejuwon Ariyo, the Divisional Police Officer of the Idiroko Division, who mobilised a surveillance team to intercept the vehicle before it could cross the international border.
In a tactical move to prevent the vehicle from escaping, operatives reportedly shot one of its tyres, immobilising the bus and bringing the operation to a halt. The suspects were subsequently arrested and the stolen Toyota Coaster bus recovered at the scene.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Lawal, a company driver, allegedly conspired with Oriyomi, his guarantor, to steal and sell the vehicle in the Benin Republic. Police said both suspects admitted that the proceeds from the sale were intended to fund their relocation after the transaction.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue. Authorities are also exploring possible connections to wider cross border vehicle theft and trafficking networks operating within the region.
Reacting to the successful operation, Bode Ojajuni, Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, commended the professionalism and vigilance of officers involved in the operation. He praised the intelligence-driven approach that led to the interception, recovery of the vehicle, and arrest of the suspects.
Ojajuni reiterated the command’s commitment to proactive policing, strengthened border security, and sustained efforts to curb criminal activities across Ogun State and its border communities.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
For emergencies and credible information, residents are advised to contact the Ogun State Police Command through: Gateway Shield (Toll-Free): 0800 000 9111
Emergency Lines: 0906 283 7609, 0912 014 1706, 0915 102 7369, 0708 497 2994
