The Ogun State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its campaign against armed robbery and vehicle theft, with the arrest of three suspects, including an alleged robbery kingpin, and the recovery of a stolen vehicle during separate intelligence-led operations across Abeokuta and surrounding communities.

The arrests were made by operatives of the Anti-Robbery Squad of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, following investigations into an attempted armed robbery and a vehicle theft case reported in different parts of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Ogun State Police Command, the suspects were identified as Ismaila Israel Sokunbi, 38; Kayode Adeyemi, 37, described by police as the alleged leader of a criminal syndicate; and Kola Taiwo, 55.

Armed Robbery Attempt Foiled in Obantoko

Police said the first operation stemmed from a distress call received at the Obantoko Police Division on May 22, 2026, concerning an attempted armed robbery at Oniyo Community, Arokoje, Obantoko, Abeokuta.

The suspects allegedly attempted to dispossess a resident of his vehicle while he was opening the gate to his residence. However, the victim reportedly raised an alarm, attracting neighbours and causing confusion among the attackers.

During the incident, the suspects allegedly lost control of the targeted vehicle and crashed into a nearby fence. They subsequently fled the scene in another vehicle as police operatives moved in.

Investigators recovered an Infinix mobile phone and a Wema Bank ATM card allegedly dropped by one of the fleeing suspects. The recovered items later provided crucial leads that assisted detectives in identifying members of the suspected criminal network.

Using telecommunications analysis and intelligence gathering, detectives traced Ismaila Israel Sokunbi, who was arrested on May 26 in the Oke-Jigbo and Isale Abese areas of Abeokuta.

A search conducted at his residence reportedly led to the recovery of several items, including a new ceiling fan, a gas cooker, SIM cards, SIM packs, suspected charms, machinery tools, a commercial gas-filling hose, and cooking utensils.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Kayode Adeyemi in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Police said both suspects allegedly confessed during interrogation to involvement in the attempted robbery and admitted belonging to a syndicate linked to multiple vehicle theft operations in Abeokuta and neighbouring communities.

According to investigators, members of the group allegedly specialised in stealing vehicles by tampering with ignition wiring systems.

Stolen Toyota Corolla Recovered

In a separate operation, detectives of the Anti-Robbery Squad resolved a vehicle theft case reported at the Odeda Police Station on May 18, 2026.

The case involved a Toyota Corolla reportedly stolen in the Osiele area of Ogun State.

Following intelligence-led investigations, officers arrested Kola Taiwo and recovered the stolen vehicle.

Police alleged that the suspect specialised in stealing parked vehicles through the use of master keys. Investigators further claimed that he confessed to involvement in the theft of a green Toyota Camry during an earlier operation.

Authorities said efforts are ongoing to recover additional stolen vehicles and apprehend other members of the alleged theft syndicate.

Police Reaffirm Commitment to Crime Prevention

The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, resilience, and intelligence-driven approach.

He stated that the successful arrests underscore the command’s commitment to proactive policing and its determination to combat violent crime, armed robbery, and vehicle theft across the state.

The police boss assured residents that the command would continue to strengthen intelligence gathering and deploy strategic operations to ensure the safety of lives and property.

The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The latest operations highlight ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle criminal networks and improve public safety across Ogun State.