Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its campaign against theft and the unlawful diversion of petroleum products, following the arrest of two suspects allegedly caught siphoning diesel from a construction vehicle in Ibadan.
According to a statement issued on February 13, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit acted on credible intelligence and intercepted Yusuf Mutiyat, 43, and Ogunniyan Rasheed, 64, at Kopek Construction Company in Ibadan. The suspects were reportedly found siphoning liquid substances suspected to be diesel from a mixer truck at the site.
Police authorities said a subsequent search led to the recovery of 24 barrels containing approximately 240 litres each of the liquid substance, amounting to nearly 10,000 litres in total. The recovered product is estimated to be worth about ₦12 million. Investigators suspect the diesel may have been stolen or unlawfully received, though further forensic and investigative procedures are ongoing to establish its exact source and ownership.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, PSC+, commended the operatives involved in the operation, describing their actions as professional and timely. He also praised the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that his strategic direction continues to strengthen operational efficiency across commands nationwide.
Police officials emphasized that the success of the operation was made possible through cooperation with members of the public who provided actionable intelligence. The Command reiterated that community engagement remains a cornerstone of its policing strategy, particularly in combating economic sabotage and organized theft affecting both private enterprises and public infrastructure.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigators work to determine the full scope of the alleged theft and identify any accomplices. Authorities indicated that additional arrests may follow if further evidence emerges linking other individuals to the recovered diesel.
Diesel theft and diversion from construction and industrial sites have posed recurring challenges in parts of Nigeria, often resulting in financial losses running into millions of naira. Law enforcement agencies have intensified surveillance and intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing such activities, especially in urban centers like Ibadan where industrial and construction activities are expanding.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urged residents to continue providing timely information that could assist in preventing criminal activity. For emergencies, members of the public are encouraged to contact the Oyo State Call Response Center via the toll-free line 615 or reach the Command Control Room through designated telephone numbers.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments