By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested two suspected cattle rustlers and recovered a cow valued at ₦1.7 million following a swift operation in the Ifo/Ibogun axis of the state.
The suspects, Muhammed Monsur and Olaseinde Olatunji, were apprehended by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit after a farmer raised a distress alert in the early hours of Thursday.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the incident occurred at a dairy farm in Omitoro Village via Coker, where the suspects allegedly invaded the premises and made away with a cow.
Acting on the distress call, police operatives quickly mobilised to the scene and intercepted the suspects as they attempted to escape in a mini bus popularly referred to as “Korope”. Their arrest followed an alarm raised after residents observed suspicious movements within the area.
Items recovered from the suspects included the stolen cow, a knife, and the operational vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the offence. Preliminary findings indicated that the suspects operated as part of a four-man gang, with two others escaping into a nearby bush.
The recovered vehicle has been taken into custody at the SWAT office in Ibogun, while the cow was documented as evidence before being returned to its rightful owner after due verification.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, with efforts ongoing to track down the fleeing accomplices. The case is expected to be transferred to the appropriate investigative unit for further action and possible prosecution.
Commending the operatives for their prompt response, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to clamp down on criminal activity and strengthen security across the state. He also called on residents to remain alert and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies.