Follow Us on Google
From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the hijacking, diversion and theft of trucks in Oyo State and neighbouring states.
The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence and information from members of the public indicating that the syndicate would operate along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on August 24, 2026.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to mount an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the expressway.
The operation led to the interception of a white SINO HOWO truck and the arrest of two suspects identified as Ojedokun Olakunle Isaac, a motor boy attached to the truck driver, and his accomplice, Ajuwon Ismail.
Police said the truck had already had its back body or bucket removed and was being driven towards the Ogbomoso/Ilorin axis for onward delivery and sale to an alleged criminal receiver in Kwara State.
During interrogation, Ojedokun reportedly confessed to masterminding the hijacking of the truck from his employer along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
His confession, police said, provided leads that enabled operatives to track and arrest two additional suspects, identified as Adekunle Sunday and Rasheed Music.
Investigations allegedly revealed that Sunday served as the syndicate’s designated driver during truck hijackings, while Music specialised in removing vehicle trackers and other electronic devices used to identify and locate stolen trucks.
The Command said the syndicate operated at about 11:00 p.m. on August 24, when the truck was allegedly hijacked and diverted towards the Ogbomoso/Ilorin axis for onward sale.
Police said the intelligence-led intervention disrupted the operation and resulted in the recovery of the stolen vehicle.
Efforts are ongoing to recover the detached back body of the truck and arrest other members of the syndicate who are still at large.
The Commissioner of Police commended members of the public for providing timely and credible information that contributed to the operation.
Olugbenga reiterated the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the sustained dismantling of criminal networks across Oyo State.
He also urged residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies to enhance safety and security across the state.
