By Odita Sunday
A stolen 2016 Toyota Camry has been recovered from a hotel in Ifo, Ogun State, less than eight hours after its theft was reported, following an electronic tracking operation by the Ogun State Police Command.
According to a statement signed by DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, Eleweran, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on 13th September 2026, he said the swift operation also led to the arrest of one suspect, Monday Adetunji, while police operatives are continuing efforts to apprehend another suspect who reportedly escaped from the scene.
The vehicle, owned by an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate, Lagos, was allegedly stolen on 9 September 2026 by the owner’s driver, Waidi Olaide Kolawale, who had only been employed two days earlier.
The driver reportedly told his employer that he was taking the vehicle to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a tyre, but allegedly disappeared with the car.
When the theft was reported, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo axis. The information was immediately passed to the Divisional Police Officer, Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who reviewed the intelligence and deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives.
The officers followed the vehicle through several locations before eventually locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30pm.
According to the police, Kolawale fled after sighting the operatives, taking the vehicle’s ignition key with him, while Adetunji was arrested at the scene.
Preliminary investigation reportedly showed that the suspects had approached a mechanic to remove the vehicle’s catalyst, but the mechanic declined.
The recovered vehicle has since been secured by the police, while efforts continue to arrest the fleeing suspect and determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni commended the Ifo operatives for their vigilance, professionalism and quick response.
Ojajuni said the recovery demonstrated the importance of technology and timely police intervention in tackling crime, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
The Commissioner also advised vehicle owners to use reliable tracking devices and additional anti-theft measures, including steering locks and tyre locks.
He urged members of the public to be more careful about who they entrust with their vehicles, property and access to their homes or businesses, stressing that trust should be accompanied by proper checks.
The Command also called on hoteliers to strengthen guest and vehicle verification, maintain accurate records and promptly alert security agencies to suspicious persons, vehicles or activities.
Residents can report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield Toll-Free Line: 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464.
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