The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a railway vandalism syndicate and recovered stolen rail tracks valued at approximately ₦200 million in a major operation targeting economic sabotage.
According to the police, the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence from a vigilant member of the public.
Acting on the tip-off, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit tracked the suspects to the Gambari area in Orile-Igbon, where they were intercepted before the stolen materials could be transported to their final destination.
The arrested individuals were identified as Waheed Ayinde (54), Muhammed Sani (27), and Hassan Ibrahim (22).
Items recovered during the operation include vandalised railway tracks estimated to be worth ₦200 million and a HOWO truck allegedly used in conveying the stolen materials.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the railway components were unlawfully removed from Niger State and transported into Oyo State, with Lagos identified as the intended destination.
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Further findings indicate that the suspects played varying roles within the syndicate, including transportation, coordination, and temporary storage of the stolen items in Ogbomoso before onward movement.
“The suspects have made useful confessional statements and are cooperating with investigators. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional exhibits,” the police spokesperson stated.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State commended the member of the public whose timely information led to the successful operation.
He emphasized the importance of community collaboration in tackling crime and assured residents of the command’s commitment to safeguarding critical national infrastructure.
The police also reiterated their resolve to intensify efforts against vandalism and other criminal activities threatening public assets and economic stability.
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