The Nigeria Police Force Zone 2 Command has arrested nine suspects linked to two criminal syndicates allegedly involved in the diversion and theft of goods in transit across Lagos and Ogun states.
The operation, coordinated by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, also led to the recovery of diverted goods valued at over N60 million.
According to the police, detectives attached to the Zone 2 Dragon Team launched a covert investigation following credible intelligence from a reliable informant concerning the activities of syndicates specialising in diverting goods from their lawful destinations to black-market receivers.
The suspects arrested include Innocent Nkem, Gasali Ojo, Arogundade Owolabi, Banji Olatunji, Dickson Nchekwube, Henry Uwa, Ikechukwu Olua, Oludare Ebunolu and Imadu Charles.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicates allegedly worked with truck drivers and their assistants to divert consignments before selling them to illegal buyers at reduced prices. Police said the suspects often abandoned the trucks after the transactions to evade arrest.
Investigators disclosed that members of one syndicate diverted two 45,000-litre trucks loaded with molasses chemical meant for delivery in Benin, Edo State.
One of the trucks was reportedly intercepted at Itokin area of Lagos State while the contents were being illegally transferred to a receiver identified as Banji Olatunji. The second truck was recovered at the Ogere trailer park in Ogun State while the suspects were allegedly searching for a buyer.
Police estimated the value of each loaded truck of molasses chemical at about N11 million.
In a separate operation, detectives uncovered another syndicate accused of diverting a trailer load of dairy products originally destined for Jos, Plateau State.
The goods, which were loaded in Sagamu, Ogun State, were allegedly diverted to Ijebu-Ode, where they were recovered from a suspect identified as Oludare Ebunolu.
The recovered dairy products were valued at approximately N28 million.
The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicates, while the arrested suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating organised crime and protecting commercial activities within Lagos and Ogun states.
