Osun Command Delivers Major Blow to Criminal Gangs, Nab 12 Suspects in Statewide Operations

Our Correspondent from Osogbo reports that the Osun State Police Command has registered a major success in its fight against violent crime, announcing the arrest of 12 suspects linked to various high-profile crimes including armed robbery, cultism, and kidnapping. The arrests followed a series of targeted, intelligence-led sting operations across the state.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Ibrahim Gotan, unveiled the detailed achievements during a press briefing held at the State Command Headquarters, Ring Road, Osogbo, on Wednesday. CP Gotan attributed the arrests and substantial recoveries to the Command’s “proactive strategies and sustained intelligence gathering.”

The Command’s Anti-Robbery Section scored a significant win by arresting a five-man armed robbery syndicate notorious for multiple car thefts. The suspects, identified as Yemi Ariyo (ring leader), Oke Temitope, Odewale Olajide, Imisi Ajewole, and Obanla Peter (receiver), were tracked down in coordinated operations spanning Osogbo and Abuja between September 5 and 6, 2025. The CP noted that the arrests stemmed from a victim’s report detailing an attack involving a cutlass and the theft of his car and phone. The syndicate confessed to several car thefts in Osogbo. Since their apprehension, the Police noted a “drastic reduction” in cases of car theft in the area. Exhibits recovered from the syndicate underscore the scale of their operation, which included four vehicles: a Toyota Avalon (KWL 690 BW), a Toyota Venza, a Lexus ES 300, and an unregistered Toyota Camry 2010 model, alongside nine mobile phones, including several iPhones and Samsung devices.

The Command swiftly pivoted its efforts to address other critical threats across the state. In operations targeting illegal activities, the Anti-Cultism Unit acted on credible intelligence to arrest three suspected cultists in Ilesa and Osogbo. Jackson Enwerem (32), Ridwan Alowode (26), and Ademiju Oludare (28) were arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and membership in a proscribed group. A locally made Marcarov pistol with an empty magazine was recovered from one of the suspects, who confessed to belonging to the notorious Alora/Vikings confraternity. CP Gotan stressed that efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members.

The comprehensive sweep continued as the CP also confirmed the arrest of a suspected armed robber and kidnapper, 28-year-old Adedeji Ibrahim, in Apomu. The magnitude of his alleged criminal wealth was revealed through the recovered items: an unlicensed single-barrel gun, two motorcycles, one red Golf salon car, camouflage military uniforms, and a total sum of N9.54 million in cash and bank funds. Of that total, N8.12 million was traced to his bank account. Furthermore, his possession of military wear and a sword has raised suspicion of impersonation, adding another layer to the investigation.

Finally, the Command also addressed cases of property theft, announcing the arrest of four men: Lamidi Dada (35), Lamidi Wasiu (21), Adeleke Jamiu (29), and Yunusa Sodiq (34), for conspiracy and the theft of a motorcycle valued at N1.3 million. The suspects were traced to their hideout in Ibadan after a report was filed at the Ikire Area Command. While the stolen motorcycle has yet to be recovered, the CP confirmed that investigations are progressing to apprehend the final buyer. In total, the sting operations led to the recovery of two firearms, five vehicles, two motorcycles, nine phones, and the significant sum of N9.5 million. CP Gotan affirmed that all 12 suspects will be diligently charged to court once all investigations are concluded.