The Ogun State Police Command has announced the recovery of a red Lexus ES350 saloon car allegedly stolen during an armed robbery incident in the Ogijo area of the state, following an investigation that led security operatives to Ondo State.
The recovery was carried out by personnel of the Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Squad after sustained efforts to establish the whereabouts of the missing vehicle and identify those responsible for its theft.
Although the automobile has been recovered, the police have disclosed that investigations are still in progress, particularly efforts to apprehend other suspects believed to have connections with the incident.
The development was made public by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, in an official statement detailing the circumstances surrounding the robbery and the subsequent recovery operation.
According to the police spokesperson, the incident was first reported on September 15, 2026, after suspected armed robbers allegedly seized a red Lexus ES350 saloon car in the Ogijo area of Ogun State.
The robbery reportedly occurred at approximately 2:00 a.m., when the suspects allegedly took possession of the vehicle. One notable detail contained in the police report was that the stolen Lexus did not have a registration number at the time of the incident.
Following the complaint, the Ogun State Police Command commenced investigative activities to establish the circumstances of the theft, locate the vehicle and identify individuals who might have participated in the operation.
Babaseyi explained that the Commissioner of Police’s directive led to the involvement of the SWAT Squad, with its Officer-in-Charge, SP Obeh Eneye, assigned to coordinate the investigation and pursue available leads.
The officer was instructed to deploy the necessary investigative resources towards tracking the missing automobile and ensuring that those responsible for the robbery were identified.
Police operatives subsequently intensified their investigations, relying on available intelligence and other relevant information to establish the vehicle’s location.
The efforts eventually produced a breakthrough when the stolen Lexus was traced to Ondo State, outside Ogun State, where SWAT operatives successfully recovered it.
Following the operation, the recovered automobile was taken into the custody of the Ogun State Police Command for further investigation and other necessary procedures.
The police described the development as the outcome of sustained investigative work, although the statement did not disclose the exact location in Ondo State where the vehicle was found or whether any suspect was arrested during the recovery operation.
Providing further details, the Command’s spokesperson said the investigation had not been concluded, as security operatives were still working to apprehend other individuals suspected of having links to the robbery.
The police are also making efforts to recover any additional property that may have been stolen during the incident.
The Command’s position indicates that recovering the Lexus is only one aspect of the ongoing investigation, with further attention being directed towards establishing the identities and possible roles of everyone connected with the crime.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, has praised the SWAT personnel for their role in recovering the vehicle.
Ojajuni commended the officers for demonstrating diligence and professionalism throughout the operation, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to using intelligence-driven strategies to address criminal activities.
He stressed that the police would continue to prioritise the recovery of stolen property, investigation of reported crimes and prosecution of individuals found responsible for criminal offences.
The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of vehicle registration and urged motorists across Ogun State to ensure that their automobiles are properly documented and display valid registration numbers.
He explained that registration details are essential for establishing vehicle ownership and assisting security agencies in identifying automobiles, particularly when they are reported missing or suspected to have been used in criminal activities.
According to him, proper documentation can support police investigations by providing useful information that makes ownership verification and vehicle tracing easier.
The advice comes amid the Command’s efforts to encourage greater public participation in crime prevention and strengthen cooperation between residents and law enforcement agencies.
Ojajuni further appealed to residents to remain alert and avoid ignoring activities that could pose security concerns within their communities.
He encouraged members of the public to report suspicious movements and provide credible information to the police whenever they become aware of circumstances that could assist ongoing investigations or prevent criminal incidents.
The Commissioner assured residents that the Ogun State Police Command would remain committed to its responsibility of protecting lives and property throughout the state.
He also reiterated the importance of community cooperation, noting that information supplied by members of the public can assist security agencies in responding to criminal activities and identifying those involved.
For the Ogijo robbery incident, the immediate priority remains the arrest of the outstanding suspects and the possible recovery of other stolen belongings.
The police have not announced any arrests in connection with the case in the statement announcing the recovery. However, they have maintained that investigative activities are continuing until the remaining aspects of the incident are addressed.
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