Two men were arrested after police allegedly uncovered a syndicate linked to the diversion of 570 bags of guinea corn in Oyo town

The Oyo State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Abimbola, has arrested two men and recovered goods valued at approximately N32 million in Oyo town, Oyo State, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, after officers allegedly uncovered a criminal syndicate involved in the diversion and unlawful conversion of goods in transit.

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The Oyo police goods recovery operation was carried out by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, following credible intelligence about the activities of the alleged syndicate in the Irepo area of Oyo town.

The suspects were identified by the command as 40-year-old Olawale Kareem and 46-year-old Ogunbiyi Monday.

According to the police, officers recovered an IVECO truck and trailer with registration number MUS 809 XY, Lagos, loaded with 570 bags of guinea corn. The consignment was allegedly diverted while being transported from Kaduna State.

The recovered goods were estimated by the police to be worth about N32 million, highlighting the potential financial impact of organised diversion on legitimate commercial activity and the wider supply chain.

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the state capital, Police Public Relations Officer Olayinka Ayanlade said preliminary investigations indicated that Kareem and Monday were members of a syndicate allegedly operating to divert goods from their intended destinations for unlawful financial gain.

The arrests followed what the command described as an intelligence-led operation targeting a hideout allegedly used by the group.

“In furtherance of this commitment, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Oyo Operational Base, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the hideout of a criminal syndicate allegedly specialising in the diversion and unlawful conversion of goods in transit,” Ayanlade said.

The police spokesperson said the suspects had allegedly confessed to their respective roles in the operation, although the allegations remain subject to further investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.

“They have confessed to their respective roles in the crime, while concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover any additional diverted goods linked to the criminal enterprise,” Ayanlade said.

The latest Oyo police goods recovery adds to a series of recent operations by the command targeting alleged economic crimes and criminal networks across the state.

In July, Oyo police announced the arrest of three suspected members of a railway vandalism syndicate and the recovery of stolen rail tracks valued at approximately N200 million.

The command said the suspects were intercepted in the Gambari, Orile-Igbon area after receiving a tip-off from a member of the public.

The command also reported the arrest of four suspected telecommunications infrastructure vandals in June and the recovery of solar equipment valued at about N8 million.

Police said the suspects were intercepted in the Irepo area while allegedly conveying four hybrid solar batteries suspected to have been stolen from a telecommunications facility in Kwara State.

The broader pattern reflects the security and economic challenges facing commercial operators who depend on the safe movement of goods across Nigeria.

Similar cases have been reported elsewhere, including a May operation by the Zone 2 Police Command that led to the arrest of nine suspects and the recovery of goods valued at more than N60 million in Lagos and Ogun states.

Police in that case also alleged that criminal networks worked with truck drivers and assistants to divert goods before selling them to receivers at reduced prices.

For businesses, transporters and logistics operators, such alleged diversion schemes can create significant losses while disrupting supply chains and undermining confidence in the movement of goods between states.

Commissioner Abimbola commended the operatives involved in the latest operation, praising their professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence.

The police commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives, property and legitimate commercial activities across Oyo State, while warning individuals involved in economic sabotage and other criminal activities to desist.

“The command equally urges transporters, logistics operators, business owners, and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities through the appropriate channels,” the statement added.

The police said efforts were continuing to apprehend other alleged members of the syndicate and identify any additional goods that may have been diverted in connection with the case.

The development leaves the investigation open as officers work to establish the full extent of the alleged operation, including the intended destination of the recovered guinea corn and the possible involvement of other individuals.

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For now, the recovery of 570 bags of guinea corn and the arrest of two suspects represent a significant intervention by the Oyo State Police Command in its efforts to disrupt alleged organised goods diversion and protect legitimate trade across the state.