Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another operational success in its ongoing efforts to combat crime and protect critical national infrastructure across the State with the arrest of four suspected telecommunications infrastructure vandals and the recovery of stolen solar equipment valued at approximately Eight Million Naira. The suspects—Jimoh Mufutau, 35, of Mowe-Ibafo Area, Ogun State; Saheed Akanbi, 34, of Onipanu Area, Lagos State; Lateef Ibrahim, 37, of Igando Area, Lagos State; and Lukman Jimoh, 38, of Isheri/Berger Area, Lagos State—were intercepted on June 20, 2026, during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit at Irepo area along the Oyo–Ogbomoso Expressway.
According to a press release issued on June 23, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspects were found in possession of suspected stolen telecommunications power equipment, specifically four hybrid solar batteries, which they were transporting in an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number EPE 992 KH. Preliminary investigation revealed that the items, valued at approximately Eight Million Naira, had been stolen from a telecommunications facility in Offa, Kwara State. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to the theft and admitted that they were attempting to transport the equipment to an undisclosed destination when they were intercepted by police operatives. The recovered items and the vehicle used in conveying them have been taken into police custody as exhibits, while further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects' criminal activities and identify other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives whose proactive efforts led to the arrest. He reiterated the Command's commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven within Oyo State. The Commissioner further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to the Police, emphasising that community partnership remains a vital component in the fight against crime.
The arrest comes amid growing concerns over the vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria, which has resulted in significant financial losses to service providers and disruptions to telecommunications services nationwide. Vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure has become a recurring challenge, often resulting in service disruptions, financial losses to service providers, and reduced access to telecommunications services for residents in affected areas. Industry stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement and stiffer penalties to deter criminals from targeting critical national assets. The Oyo State Police Command has assured residents that it remains steadfast in its resolve to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure while bringing perpetrators of crime to justice.
For emergencies, the Command urged residents to contact the Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615, or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room at 08081768614 and 07055495413. As investigations continue, the police have urged members of the public with any useful information to come forward and assist in ensuring that all those involved in the criminal network are identified and brought to justice. The Command's latest achievement underscores the effectiveness of proactive policing and community cooperation in tackling crime and protecting critical national assets.
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