By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan, & Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Oyo State Police Command has broken up a syndicate that specialises in stealing motorcycles, popularly known as okada.
This was disclosed in a statement by the State Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday.
“The Oyo State Police Command recorded another breakthrough in its sustained efforts to curb criminal activities and rid the state of crimes and criminal elements across the state.
“In furtherance of this objective, and acting on credible intelligence that a group of individuals were in possession of motorcycles suspected to have been stolen within Kishi town, operatives attached to Kishi Division swiftly mobilised and moved into action on 8th May,, at about 8:30 p.m.
“The prompt operational response led to the arrest of eight suspects namely: Akeem Kehinde, 20; Rasaq Muhideen, 35; Jimoh Musakiru, 28; Ganiyu Saheed, 30; Iliasu Abdullahi, 25; Owonikoko Nurudeen, 27; Mukaila Ibrahim, 26; and Badmos Awwal, 26, who were found in suspicious possession of the said motorcycles.
“Following their arrest, preliminary investigation was immediately commenced, which led to the recovery of four suspected stolen Bajaj motorcycles in their possession, thereby strengthening the initial intelligence received and confirming the suspected criminal activity.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and admitted to their various levels of involvement in the unlawful possession and theft of the motorcycles, while further investigation is ongoing to identify and locate the rightful owners of the recovered exhibits as well as uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s network and possible collaborators.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, has commended the operatives involved in the successful operation for their professionalism, swift response and dedication to duty.
“The Commissioner equally expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continuous support, strategic leadership and unwavering commitment towards strengthening effective policing and public safety across the country.
“In the same vein, the Command urges members of the public to continue supporting the police through prompt intelligence sharing and sustained community cooperation, noting that effective policing thrives on mutual trust and collaboration between security agencies and the communities they serve.
“The Oyo State Police Command, therefore, reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state and encourages citizens to remain vigilant and law-abiding at all times,” the statement read.
Army Lauds Royal Fathers Of Enugu Community For Condemning Attack On Soldiers
Meanwhile, the headquarters, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Enugu, has lauded the Ezeagu Local Government Area (LGA) Traditional Rulers’ Council for condemning a recent attack on troops in Imezi-Owa community in the council area of the State.
The Division also commended the leadership of the traditional rulers for their firm stand in support of truth, peace and security.
These were contained in a statement issued by the acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations in the Division, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, on Sunday in Enugu.
Ayeni said that the Division wished to draw public attention to the communique issued by the Ezeagu Council of Traditional Rulers on 8 May, 2026.
He said that the communique was signed by Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe and Igwe Rapheal Okolo, the Chairman and Secretary of the Council respectively.
The Army spokesman said that in the communique, the Council unequivocally condemned the unlawful attack on military personnel at Imezi-Owa community, Ezeagu LGA, Enugu State.
“The position by the traditional institution reinforces the earlier release by the Division on May 8, 2026, which shed light on how troops of Sector 1, Operation UDO KA successfully repelled the attack by armed terrorists on May 6.
“The Council expressed deep concern over the incident, condemned the actions of the attackers, called for thorough investigation, and urged the people of Ezeagu to continue supporting the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, and other security agencies.
“The traditional rulers also commended the Government of Enugu State for its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“The communique further emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved through unity between traditional institutions, government, and security agencies,” he said.
Ayeni noted that the communique demonstrated the importance of civil–military relations, which remained vital in defeating criminal elements and consolidating peace in the South-East.
He urged the people of Ezeagu and environs to expose saboteurs providing criminal elements’ safe havens, adding that such actions undermine collective security and development of the communities.
“The Division also views this communique as a strong validation of its operational stance.
“The communique is a clear message to the public that the Nigerian Army is acting in collaboration with community stakeholders to restore peace and security in its Area of Operations.
“The general public is hereby assured that no life was lost during the incident, injured personnel are receiving the best medical care.
“Ongoing operation EASTERN SANITY will continue to dismantle terrorists’ infrastructure in order to deny them freedom of action and build on the peace already achieved in the South-East region,” he said.
The Army spokesman urged law-abiding citizens to remain vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and resist attempts by criminal elements and their sympathisers to distort facts or undermine public confidence in the military.
Ayeni also reiterated the Division’s unwavering resolve to protect lives, property, and Nigeria’s sovereignty, ensuring that Enugu State and the entire South-East remained safe for residents and investors.
*PHOTO CAPTION: File photo of some motorcycles.
