The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a railway vandalism syndicate and recovered stolen rail tracks worth about N200 million.

The breakthrough followed a tip-off from a vigilant member of the public. Operatives swiftly moved to the Gambari, Orile-Igbon area and intercepted the suspects on Tuesday.

The suspects, identified as Waheed Ayinde, Muhammed Sani, and Hassan Ibrahim, were caught with vandalised rail tracks and a HOWO truck used to transport the stolen items. Investigations showed that the tracks were unlawfully removed from Niger State and were being moved through Oyo to Lagos. The suspects played different roles in the criminal operation, including driving the truck and arranging storage for the materials.

The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the arrests highlight the command’s dedication to protecting critical national infrastructure. He encouraged residents to continue sharing useful information with security agencies. The suspects have made useful statements and are assisting investigators.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Abimbola, praised the public tip-off that led to the success of the operation. He assured citizens that the command will not allow the state to become a safe haven for economic saboteurs. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen items.

This latest achievement is part of the police’s ongoing campaign against the vandalisation of railway tracks and other public assets. The recovered materials will be returned to the relevant authorities. The command continues to appeal to the public to stay alert and report suspicious activities to help maintain peace and order in Oyo State.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper