The Ondo State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected member of a notorious vehicle theft syndicate and the recovery of a stolen Toyota Sienna in Akure.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, and made available to newsmen on Saturday, the breakthrough was achieved through intelligence-led operations by the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, on 5th September 2025, arrested one Oteku Silas (m) at Ajibamidele along Ore–Lagos Road. A gray Toyota Sienna vehicle stolen in Akure was recovered from him at the point of arrest,” the statement read.
The police further disclosed that the suspect was linked to the fraudulent sale of another stolen Toyota vehicle earlier recovered in Akure, adding that he had confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate targeting Toyota vehicles.
“He further admitted to belonging to the same armed robbery gang whose five members were earlier arrested and charged to court, with four stolen vehicles already recovered during earlier operations,” the PPRO said.
While noting that the prime suspect responsible for disposing stolen vehicles remains at large, the Command assured that efforts are ongoing to track him down alongside other fleeing accomplices. The suspect is currently in custody and will be arraigned in court once investigations are concluded.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for what he described as “visionary leadership and steadfast support” in boosting the operational successes of the Command.
The statement added that the CP praised the SWAT operatives for their diligence, charging them “not to rest on their oars until the syndicate is completely dismantled.”
