The Zone 2 Zonal Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has apprehended nine suspects believed to be members of two syndicates involved in the theft and diversion of goods in transit, as well as criminal conspiracy. The police reported that the operation resulted in the recovery of diverted goods worth approximately N60 million.
Suspects Identified
The suspects have been identified as Innocent Nkem, 49; Gasali Ojo, 42; Arogundade Owolabi, 56; Banji Olatunji, 43; Dickson Nchekwube, 46; Henry Uwa, 51; Ikechukwu Olua, 52; Oludare Ebunolu, 73; and Imadu Charles, 62. According to the Zonal Headquarters, the arrests were made based on credible intelligence provided by a reliable informant.
Modus Operandi
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, who oversees Zone 2, stated that the syndicates operated through criminal arrangements involving truck drivers and their assistants. These individuals deliberately diverted goods from their intended destinations and sold them to receivers at discounted prices. Jimoh explained that detectives from the Zone 2 Headquarters Dragon Team initiated a covert investigation on May 15, 2026, aimed at dismantling the networks responsible for diverting goods to illegal receivers and black-market buyers.
After completing transactions, the suspects typically abandoned the trailers or trucks at strategic locations and fled to avoid arrest. Investigations revealed that members of the first syndicate diverted two trucks bound for Benin, each loaded with 45,000 litres of molasses. The AIG disclosed that the first truck was recovered while the suspects were illegally transferring the chemicals at the Itokin area of Lagos State to a receiver named Banji Olatunji. The second truck and its contents were recovered at the Ogere trailer park in Ogun State while the suspect was searching for a buyer. The estimated value of a truck loaded with 45,000 litres of molasses is N11 million.
Second Syndicate Uncovered
In a related development, Jimoh revealed that detectives uncovered another syndicate on May 15, 2026, responsible for diverting a trailer load of dairy products destined for Jos, Plateau State. The goods, which were loaded in Sagamu, Ogun State, were illegally diverted to Oludare Ebunolu in the Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State. Detectives recovered the diverted dairy products, valued at approximately N28 million.
The AIG directed that investigations be intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicates. He assured the public that the police would continue their efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within Lagos and Ogun states. Jimoh reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding commercial activities and ensuring that criminal elements have no hiding place within the zone.
