The Ogun State Police Command announced on Friday that it has apprehended 2,141 suspects involved in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, rape, and cultism, in the first quarter of the year.
During this three-month period, the command successfully prosecuted 1,530 suspects and secured 62 convictions, while recovering properties, including stolen vehicles, valued at N106,786,000. A total of 217 arms and ammunition were also seized.
CSP Omolola Odutola, spokesperson for the command, highlighted the significance of community engagement in enhancing crime-fighting efforts in the state. “Although we faced a spike in criminal activities in February, March saw a decline in both the number of cases investigated and prosecuted,” she stated.
While there has been a downward trend in arrests related to rape, the command has noted an uptick in arrests related to cultism due to proactive measures from the anti-cultism unit. Additionally, five kidnapping suspects were arrested, coinciding with a notable reduction in actual kidnapping incidents.
The police recovered 26 stolen vehicles in the first quarter, thanks to the vigilance of patrol teams. Some of these vehicles were reported stolen from neighboring states, with the intent to flee through Ogun’s strategic corridors.
Odutola credited the collaboration with state authorities, including Governor Dapo Abiodun, and support from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the success achieved in ensuring relative peace in the region.
To enhance traveler safety, the command has established a security checkpoint on the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode highway, complemented by motorized patrols along the Lagos-Ibadan motorway. Armoured personnel carriers are stationed strategically at key locations, including Sagamu and Abeokuta.
The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to fostering partnerships with residents to maintain safety and boost investor confidence in the region.
