*The Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Police affirms the security operatives arrested four suspected telecoms power infrastructure vandals along the Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway in the state, and recovered stolen solar equipment valued at about ₦8 million
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
The Federal Government’s efforts at safeguarding the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) may have received a boost as operatives of the Nigeria Police June 20, 2026, arrested four suspected telecoms power assets vandals in Oyo State.
The Oyo State Police Command affirmed the security operatives arrested the suspected telecoms vandals, and recovered stolen solar equipment valued at about ₦8 million.
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DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, Spokesperson of the Oyo Police Command, noted this in a statement issued and shared Tuesday, June 23, 2026, on X.
The Police Spokesperson explained the operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit arrested the suspects June 20 during a routine stop-and-search operation in the Irepo area along the Oyo-Ogbomoso Expressway in the state.
The Police identified the alleged telecoms vandals as Jimoh Mufutau, 35, of Mowe-Ibafo, in Ogun State; Saheed Akanbi, 34, of Onipanu, in Lagos State; Lateef Ibrahim, 37, of Igando, in Lagos State; and Lukman Jimoh, 38, of Isheri/Berger, in Lagos State.
The Oyo Police Command statement further noted: “On June 20, 2026, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation in Irepo area along the Oyo–Ogbomoso Expressway, intercepted and arrested four suspects found in possession of suspected stolen telecommunications power equipment.
“The suspects are:
- Jimoh Mufutau (35 years), of Mowe-Ibafo Area, Ogun State;
- Saheed Akanbi (34 years), of Onipanu Area, Lagos State;
- Lateef Ibrahim (37 years), of Igando Area, Lagos State; and
- Lukman Jimoh (38 years), of Isheri/Berger Area, Lagos State.”
The Police said the suspects were intercepted while conveying four hybrid solar batteries for powering telecoms equipment suspected to have been stolen in an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna with registration number EPE 992 KH.
According to the Police, preliminary investigations indicated that the batteries, valued at approximately ₦8 million, were allegedly stolen from a telecommunications facility in Offa, Kwara State.
It further stated: “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were conveying four hybrid solar batteries valued at approximately eight million Naira (₦8,000,000) in an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number EPE 992 KH.”
The Police affirmed that the suspects confessed during interrogation to stealing the equipment before attempting to transport it to an undisclosed destination.
The statement also noted: “During interrogation, the suspects confessed to stealing the items from a telecommunications facility in Offa, Kwara State, before attempting to transport them to an undisclosed destination.
“The recovered items and the vehicle used in conveying them have been taken into Police custody as exhibits.
“Further investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ criminal activities and identify other members of the syndicate.”
Meanwhile, Abimbola Olugbenga, Oyo State Commissioner of Police, has applauded the security operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.
Abimbola restated the Command’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure while ensuring that criminal elements have no safe haven in the South-West state.
He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the Police.
Abimbola described community partnership as vital in the fight against crime in Nigeria.