Oyo Police Arrest Four Suspected Telecoms Infrastructure Vandals, Recover ₦8m Solar Equipment
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its efforts to curb vandalism of critical national infrastructure with the arrest of four suspected telecommunications equipment thieves and the recovery of stolen solar power assets valued at about ₦8 million.
On June 20, 2026, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, during a routine stop and search operation at the Irepo area along the Oyo Ogbomoso Expressway, intercepted and arrested the suspects in possession of suspected stolen items.
The suspects are Jimoh Mufutau (35) of Mowe Ibafo, Ogun State; Saheed Akanbi (34) of Onipanu, Lagos State; Lateef Ibrahim (37) of Igando, Lagos State; and Lukman Jimoh (38) of Isheri Berger, Lagos State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were transporting four hybrid solar batteries valued at approximately ₦8,000,000 in an ash coloured Toyota Sienna with registration number EPE 992 KH.
According to the police, the suspects confessed during interrogation that the items were stolen from a telecommunications facility in Offa, Kwara State, before they attempted to move them to an undisclosed destination.
The recovered batteries and the vehicle used in conveying them have been taken into police custody as exhibits, while investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the operation and identify other members of the suspected syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism, noting that their proactive efforts led to the successful arrest.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and ensuring that criminal elements find no safe haven within the state.
The Commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in the fight against crime.
The Command reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard lives, property and critical infrastructure while ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.
For emergencies, contact:
Oyo State Call Response Center Toll Free Line: 615
Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413
Signed
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)
June 23, 2026