Tracking Device Leads Operatives to Vehicle Abandoned Behind Fuel Station in Atan-Ota
ATAN-OTA, OGUN STATE — Operatives of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, popularly known as So-Safe Corps, have recovered a stolen Toyota Camry vehicle in the Atan-Ota area of Ogun State, barely hours after it was reported missing.
The vehicle, a custom-coloured Toyota Camry with registration number FKJ-734FT, was recovered behind a Mobil Fueling Station in Asore, Atan-Ota, following intelligence gathering and the use of vehicle-tracking technology.
The recovery was disclosed in a statement issued by the State Commander of the Corps, Dr. Soji Ganzallo, and made available by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Assistant Commander of Corps Adegunwa Adegbuyi.
According to the statement, the Corps received credible information about the stolen vehicle at about 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026, through its Director of Liaison, Assistant Commander of Corps Lukman Adebesin.
Following the report, the State Commander reportedly directed operatives to commence immediate patrol and intelligence-gathering operations aimed at locating the missing vehicle.
Adebesin subsequently contacted the Area Commander of the Atan-Ota Area Command, Assistant Commander of Corps Job Adeniji, who coordinated the operation in the area.
Vehicle Stolen From Agbado–Oke Aro
The Corps said the vehicle belonged to Mr. Omoola Mathew and was reportedly stolen from the Agbado–Oke Aro, Ibaragun area.
According to the account provided by the Corps, one of the owner's children discovered at about 5:00 a.m. that the vehicle was no longer where it had been parked.
The discovery prompted the family to raise the alarm and report the incident, leading to the security operation that eventually resulted in the recovery of the vehicle.
Operatives attached to the Adiyan-Muta Divisional Headquarters, under the supervision of the Divisional Officer, Superintendent of Corps Taofeek Olaleye, immediately commenced efforts to trace the vehicle.
The Corps said tracking technology subsequently indicated that the stolen vehicle was in the Atan-Ota area, around the Mobil Fueling Station in Asore.
Operatives Locate Vehicle Behind Fuel Station
Acting on the intelligence, operatives of the Atan-Ota Area Command intensified their search of the identified location.
At approximately 12 noon, the operatives reportedly located the Toyota Camry concealed or abandoned behind the Mobil Fueling Station at Asore, Atan-Ota.
Following the discovery, the vehicle's owner, Mr. Omoola Mathew, was contacted and arrived at the location.
The Corps said Mathew positively identified the vehicle and confirmed that it was his property.
The recovered vehicle was subsequently formally handed over to him.
Owner Commends So-Safe Corps
The vehicle owner reportedly expressed appreciation to the So-Safe Corps for what he described as its prompt response, effective coordination and successful recovery of his property.
The recovery also highlights the role of technology and timely intelligence sharing in responding to vehicle theft and other property-related crimes.
Ganzallo Orders Continued Investigation
While commending the officers involved in the operation, Ganzallo praised the Director of Liaison, Area Commander, Divisional Officer and other operatives for their professionalism, prompt response and commitment to duty.
He particularly highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven operations in combating crime across Ogun State.
The State Commander, however, said the recovery of the vehicle would not mark the end of the operation, stressing that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend individuals allegedly involved in the theft.
He reiterated the Corps' commitment to protecting lives and property and strengthening intelligence-led security operations across the state.
Ganzallo also stressed the importance of collaboration between residents and security agencies in preventing and responding to criminal activities.
So-Safe Urges Vehicle Owners to Install Trackers
The State Commander advised vehicle owners to consider installing reliable tracking devices in their vehicles to improve the chances of recovery in cases of theft.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies whenever they notice suspicious movements or activities within their communities.
The latest recovery adds to ongoing efforts by security agencies and community-based security organisations to tackle vehicle theft and other forms of crime in Ogun State through intelligence sharing, rapid response and the deployment of technology.
