The Ogun State Police Command has intensified its preventive policing operations across the state, apprehending 89 motorists for violating vehicle registration regulations while also recording major breakthroughs in the fight against violent crime, including the recovery of a stolen vehicle, two stolen motorcycles, and the arrest of armed robbery suspects.
The Command said the operations were carried out as part of the enforcement of the nationwide directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, against vehicles operating without registration plates or with covered, altered, or obscured number plates, alongside sustained intelligence-led policing aimed at preventing crime and improving public safety.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to intensify enforcement across all parts of the state in compliance with the IGP's directive.
As a result, coordinated operations conducted simultaneously across Ogun led to the interception of 89 vehicles whose owners were found to be operating in violation of the law.
Police authorities disclosed that appropriate administrative and legal actions had been initiated against the offenders in line with extant laws and established procedures, including prosecution where applicable.
According to the Command, the exercise is designed to improve vehicle traceability, strengthen intelligence gathering, facilitate prompt criminal investigations and deny criminal elements the anonymity often exploited in carrying out criminal activities.
The police assured residents that the enforcement exercise would continue across the state and warned that all violators would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
Beyond traffic enforcement, the Command also recorded significant operational successes against armed robbery.
On July 3, operatives of the Ogere Police Division, acting on credible intelligence and working in collaboration with the Ogun State So-Safe Corps, local vigilantes and members of the community, foiled an armed robbery operation at Akuro Phase I, Ogere Remo.
According to the police, the armed robbers had invaded a residence and dispossessed occupants of two motorcycles, mobile phones, cash and other valuables before attempting to escape.
A swift tactical response by security operatives forced the fleeing suspects to abandon the two stolen motorcycles and flee into a nearby bush.
Subsequent coordinated operations led to the arrest of one suspect, identified as Abdulsalam Adam, who is currently assisting investigators with useful information.
Police also recovered a knife, an expended cartridge and a broken padlock from the scene as exhibits.
The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the robbery gang.
In another operation, operatives of the Ajuwon Police Division recovered a stolen Toyota Camry and arrested a suspected armed robber following a robbery incident at Baale Akinosi Area of Ajuwon on July 2.
The police said hoodlums had invaded a residence, carting away mobile phones, jewellery, power banks, a laptop computer, the Toyota Camry and other valuables before fleeing.
The Division's Anti-Crime Team immediately launched a coordinated operation and, during a hot pursuit, the suspects abandoned the stolen vehicle on sighting the police and escaped.
One of the suspects, identified as Israel Salako, was arrested and is currently assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining gang members and recover other stolen property.
Commending officers involved in the successful operations, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni praised their professionalism, vigilance, prompt response and dedication to duty.
He reiterated the Command's commitment to proactive, intelligence-led policing through sustained visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, rapid response to distress calls, community partnership and intelligence gathering aimed at preventing crime before it occurs.
The police commissioner urged motorists to comply fully with vehicle registration requirements and advised members of the public to remain security conscious by boarding commercial vehicles only at designated motor parks and recognised loading points.
He also cautioned residents against patronising unbranded vehicles or private vehicles operating illegally as commercial transport, while encouraging travellers to share their travel details with trusted relatives or friends whenever practicable.
Ojajuni further appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information capable of preventing crime and facilitating prompt operational response.
He assured the people of Ogun State that the Command would sustain robust preventive policing strategies and maintain relentless pressure on criminal elements to ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
