Policemen from the Idiroko Division of the Ogun State Police Command recently foiled an attempt to smuggle a 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus across the border into the Benin Republic. The incident occurred as suspects positioned the vehicle in the Babaloke area of Idiroko, preparing for its illicit movement. The swift police intervention prevented the cross-border vehicle trafficking, which aimed to move the stolen bus out of Nigeria. This operation notes the ongoing efforts of the Ogun State Police Command to combat transnational crime and secure the state's borders.
Details of the Operation
The successful operation by the Idiroko Division hinged on timely and credible intelligence. Operatives demobilised the 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus by shooting one of its tyres during the intervention, specifically targeting the vehicle to prevent its escape. This decisive action effectively prevented the suspects from moving the vehicle across the border into the Benin Republic, their intended destination. Following the demobilisation, Seun Lawal, identified as the driver of the bus, and Ademola Oriyomi, his guarantor, were subsequently apprehended. The suspects are currently in custody following their arrest, undergoing further interrogation regarding their roles in the smuggling attempt.
The apprehended individuals admitted that the proceeds from the planned illegal transaction were meant to fund their relocation. This confession indicated their clear intention to leave the area after completing the smuggling operation, suggesting a motive beyond a single illicit transaction. The police continue to investigate the broader network involved in the cross-border vehicle trafficking attempt, aiming to uncover any larger criminal syndicate. The demobilisation of the vehicle was a critical step in foiling the smuggling effort, ensuring both the recovery of the stolen property and the apprehension of those involved. The careful planning and execution by the police force were instrumental in bringing the operation to a successful conclusion.
Suspects and Their Roles
The suspects involved in the attempted bus smuggling were identified as Seun Lawal, 46, and Ademola Oriyomi, 38. Lawal, aged 46, was identified as the driver of the 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus during the incident, directly responsible for its operation. Oriyomi, aged 38, on the other hand, was apprehended in his capacity as Lawal's guarantor, indicating a close association and potential complicity in the smuggling scheme. Both individuals were taken into custody following the police intervention in the Babaloke area of Idiroko, where the smuggling attempt was foiled. Their arrest is a significant development in the ongoing fight against vehicle theft and cross-border criminal activities.
Further investigations revealed that the 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus had been declared stolen from Lagos, confirming the illicit nature of the vehicle and the entire smuggling operation. This information adds another layer to the crime, linking the cross-border trafficking attempt to an initial act of theft within Nigeria. The police are continuing their inquiry into the broader network and circumstances surrounding both the theft in Lagos and the subsequent cross-border trafficking attempt. The apprehension of Lawal and Oriyomi constitutes a significant step in addressing vehicle theft and smuggling activities across the border, potentially leading to the dismantling of larger criminal operations. Their confessions about using the proceeds for relocation show the serious intent behind their actions.
Police Response and Commendation
The operation was initiated following credible intelligence received by authorities at approximately 11 p.m. On June 12, 2026. This precise timing allowed police operatives to intercept the suspects as they attempted to move the vehicle across the border, demonstrating the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing. During the intervention, the stolen 28-seater Toyota Coaster bus was recovered, along with the two suspects involved in the attempted smuggling. The successful recovery of the bus and the apprehension of the suspects show the vigilance and rapid response capabilities of the Ogun State Police Command.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers for their exemplary actions. Mr. Ojajuni specifically praised the professionalism, vigilance, and tactical precision demonstrated by CSP Adejuwon Ariyo and the operatives of the Idiroko Division. The Commissioner emphasized the critical importance of intelligence-led policing in combating cross-border criminal activities and ensuring community safety, not only within Ogun State but also across national borders. He reiterated the command's commitment to eradicating such illicit activities and bringing perpetrators to justice, assuring the public of continued efforts to protect lives and property. The successful operation serves as a deterrent to other criminals contemplating similar ventures.
