The Ogun State Police Command has foiled an attempt to smuggle a stolen company bus into the Benin Republic and arrested two suspects linked to the crime.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Oluseyi Babaseyi.
According to Babaseyi, the operatives attached to the Idiroko Division intercepted the suspects while attempting to move the vehicle across the international border.
The operation, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo, resulted to the arrest of the suspects identified as Seun Lawal (46) and Ademola Oriyomi (38).
They were arrested following credible intelligence received at about 11:00 p.m. on Friday.
The police said intelligence reports indicated that the suspects had positioned a 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus, earlier reported stolen in Lagos, at the Babaloke area of Idiroko and were preparing to smuggle it into the Benin Republic for illegal disposal.
Acting on the information, the Divisional Police Officer of Idiroko Division, CSP Adejuwon Ariyo, led a surveillance team to the location.
The operatives intercepted the suspects during the operation and immobilised the vehicle by shooting one of its tyres to prevent it from crossing the border.
The intervention led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen bus.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Lawal, who worked as the company’s driver, allegedly conspired with Oriyomi, his guarantor, to steal and sell the vehicle in the neighbouring country.
The suspects reportedly confessed that the proceeds from the sale were intended to fund their relocation after the transaction.
Police said the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue to determine whether they are connected to a wider cross-border vehicle theft syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and swift response.
Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to proactive policing, enhanced border security and sustained efforts to prevent criminal activities within the state and its border communities.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.