By Adeola Badru
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects and recovered approximately 10,000 litres of suspected stolen diesel valued at N12 million during an intelligence-led operation at a construction site in Ibadan.
In statement made available to journalists on Friday by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the police acting on credible intelligence and with the timely cooperation of members of the public noted that operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit apprehended Yusuf Mutiyat (43) and Ogunniyan Rasheed (64) at Kopek Construction Company while they were allegedly siphoning a liquid substance suspected to be diesel from a mixer truck.
According to the statement, a subsequent search led to the recovery of 24 barrels, each containing 240 litres of liquid suspected to be diesel, amounting to approximately 10,000 litres in total, with an estimated value of N12,000,000.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, commended the officers involved, stating: “The professionalism, vigilance and operational discipline demonstrated by our operatives in this case are highly commendable.”
“Their swift response prevented further economic loss and reinforces our resolve to combat all forms of criminality within the state,” the CP said.
He further praised the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting: “The exemplary leadership and strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police continue to strengthen policing operations across the country and provide the foundation for successes such as this.”
The Commissioner also acknowledged the role of residents in the success of the operation, adding: “We sincerely appreciate the vigilance and timely intelligence provided by members of the public. Community partnership remains a critical pillar in our collective fight against crime.”
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue to determine the full extent of the theft and identify any accomplices.
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to continue providing actionable intelligence to support ongoing security efforts.
“For Emergencies, Contact, Oyo State Call Response Centre (Toll-Free): 615 Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413,” the statement said.
The post Police foil N12m diesel theft in Ibadan appeared first on Vanguard News.
