Ogun Police Recover Stolen Car, Arrest 89 Drivers Over Number Plates

Ogun State Police Command has arrested 89 motorists for violating the Inspector-General of Police’s directive targeting vehicles operating without registration number plates or with concealed plates, warning that such practices constitute serious security risks.

The command also announced the arrest of two suspected armed robbers, identified as Abdulsalam Adam and Israel Salako, alongside the recovery of a stolen vehicle and two motorcycles during separate anti-crime operations across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Oluseyi Babaseyi.

According to the statement, the enforcement operation was carried out in compliance with a nationwide directive issued by the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, aimed at clamping down on vehicles without number plates or those using altered, obscured or covered registration plates.

Babaseyi stated that 89 vehicles and their drivers were apprehended during the exercise for violating the directive.

“During the operation, 89 vehicles and their drivers were arrested for breaching the directive. Appropriate legal and administrative measures have been initiated against the offenders in line with existing laws and procedures, including prosecution where necessary,” he said.

The police spokesperson explained that the operation forms part of proactive policing strategies designed to improve vehicle identification, enhance intelligence gathering and prevent criminals from exploiting anonymity to perpetrate crimes.

“The enforcement exercise is intended to strengthen vehicle traceability, support effective investigations and deny criminal elements the opportunity to conceal their identities while committing offences,” he added.

He noted that the operation would continue across different parts of Ogun State and warned that violators would face the full weight of the law.

In another development, Babaseyi disclosed that operatives attached to the Ogere Division, in collaboration with personnel of the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, local vigilantes and residents, foiled an armed robbery attack at Akuro Phase I in Ogere Remo on Thursday.

According to him, the suspects reportedly invaded a residence and dispossessed occupants of two motorcycles, cash, mobile phones and other valuables before attempting to escape.

He said the prompt response of security operatives forced the robbers to abandon the stolen motorcycles and flee into a nearby bush.

“Following coordinated efforts by the security team, one of the suspects, Abdulsalam Adam, was arrested and is currently assisting investigators with useful information,” Babaseyi stated.

He added that a knife, one expended cartridge and a broken padlock were recovered from the scene as exhibits.

The police spokesperson further revealed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the robbery gang, while the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, for further investigation.

Babaseyi also disclosed that operatives attached to the Ajuwon Division swiftly responded to a distress call on July 2, 2026, following reports of an armed robbery attack at the Baale Akinosi area of Ajuwon, where suspected hoodlums reportedly invaded a residence and carted away mobile phones, jewellery, power banks, a laptop computer, a Toyota Camry and other valuables.

According to him, the division’s Anti-Crime Team immediately launched a coordinated operation in response to the incident. He explained that the fleeing suspects abandoned the stolen Toyota Camry during a police pursuit after sighting the operatives and escaped from the scene.

Babaseyi said one of the suspects, identified as Israel Salako, was subsequently arrested and is currently assisting investigators with useful information, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional stolen items.

Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended officers and men of the command for their professionalism, alertness, swift response and commitment to duty.

The commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven and proactive policing through sustained visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, rapid response to distress calls, community collaboration and effective intelligence gathering aimed at preventing crimes before they occur.

Ojajuni also urged motorists to strictly comply with vehicle registration regulations and advised residents to remain security conscious by using only recognised motor parks and approved loading points when boarding commercial vehicles.

He further warned against patronising unregistered or unbranded vehicles illegally operating as commercial transport and encouraged travellers to share details of their journeys and vehicles with trusted family members or friends whenever possible.

The police commissioner appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information capable of preventing criminal activities and aiding prompt operational response.

He assured the people of Ogun State that the command would sustain aggressive preventive policing measures and maintain pressure on criminal elements to ensure the continued safety of lives and property across the state.