Ogun Police crack down on 89 motorists, smash robbery gang

By Adejoke Adeleye

The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its crime prevention drive with the arrest of 89 motorists for number plate violations, the recovery of a stolen vehicle and two motorcycles, and the foiling of an armed robbery operation in Ogere Remo.

The command said the achievements were recorded through sustained intelligence-led and community-based policing, in line with the nationwide directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, against vehicles operating without registration plates or with covered, altered or obscured number plates.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to strengthen enforcement of the directive across the state.

According to him, coordinated operations conducted simultaneously across Ogun led to the interception of 89 vehicles and their drivers found operating in violation of the law.

He said appropriate administrative and legal actions, including prosecution where necessary, had been initiated against the offenders.

Babaseyi explained that the operation was designed to improve vehicle traceability, strengthen intelligence gathering, support criminal investigations and deny criminal elements the anonymity often exploited in carrying out unlawful activities.

“The exercise will be sustained across Ogun State, and all violators will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” he stated.

The command also announced a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime after operatives of the Ogere Police Division, working with the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, local vigilantes and members of the community, foiled an armed robbery attack at Akuro Phase I, Ogere Remo, on Friday.

The police said the armed robbers had invaded a residence and dispossessed occupants of two motorcycles, mobile phones, cash and other valuables before attempting to escape.

However, a swift tactical response by the joint security team forced the suspects to abandon the stolen motorcycles and flee into a nearby bush.

One suspect, identified as Abdulsalam Adam, was arrested during the operation and is assisting investigators with useful information.

Police also recovered a knife, an expended cartridge and a broken padlock from the scene as exhibits, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other members of the gang.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for further investigation.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to proactive policing, CP Ojajuni said intelligence-led operations, visibility patrols and collaboration with local communities would continue to be strengthened to improve public safety and deny criminals the freedom to operate anywhere in Ogun State.

He urged motorists to comply with vehicle registration regulations and appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to assist security agencies in tackling crime across the state.