Police recover N32m worth of stolen goods in Oyo, arrest two suspects

The Oyo State Police has raided a hideout of a criminal group in Oyo town. They recovered goods worth N32 million and arrested two suspects.

The suspects are Olawale Kareem, 40, and Ogunbiyi Monday, 46.

A statement from the police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, was released in Ibadan on Thursday. The operation found an IVECO truck with the registration number MUS 809 XY from Lagos. It was loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn that had been diverted while on its way from Kaduna State.

Ayanlade said the investigation showed that the suspects belong to a group that diverts goods for illegal profits. He added that this operation shows the police's commitment to smart policing and their aim to break down criminal groups that threaten the economy.

The police spokesperson said, "To support this commitment, operatives from the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, acted on reliable information. They raided the hideout of a criminal group that diverts and wrongfully converts goods in transit.

“The operation took place in the Irepo area of Oyo Town. It led to the arrest of Olawale Kareem, 40, and Ogunbiyi Monday, 46.

“The police also recovered an IVECO truck loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn that had been diverted from its transport from Kaduna State.

“The total value of the recovered goods is about N32 million.

“They have admitted their roles in the crime, and efforts are ongoing to catch other members of the group and recover more stolen goods linked to this crime."

The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, praised the officers for their quick actions and professional handling of the intelligence. He promised that the police will continue to protect lives, properties, and businesses in the state.

He also warned anyone involved in economic crimes to stop or face severe consequences.

"The police urge transporters, logistics companies, business owners, and the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activities through the proper channels. We will not allow criminals to find safety in our state," the statement concluded.