The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a 2016 Toyota Camry stolen from an Indian national in Lagos and handed the vehicle back to its owner, less than eight hours after the theft was reported.
 
The vehicle, belonging to Mr Abhay Singh, who is based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate, Lagos, was allegedly stolen on September 9, 2026, by his driver, Waidi Olaide Kolawale, who had been employed only two days earlier.
 
According to the police, Kolawale told his employer that he was taking the vehicle to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a tyre but allegedly absconded with it.
 
Following the report, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo axis of Ogun State. 
 
The information was relayed to the Divisional Police Officer, Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who analysed the available intelligence and deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives.
 
The operatives tracked the vehicle through several locations before locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30 p.m.
 
The police said Kolawale fled on sighting the operatives, taking the vehicle’s ignition key with him, while his alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene.
 
Preliminary investigation, according to the Command, showed that the suspects had allegedly approached a mechanic to remove the vehicle’s catalytic converter, but the mechanic declined.
 
The recovered vehicle was subsequently secured at the Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters, while efforts continued to apprehend the fleeing suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the theft.
 
Following verification of ownership, the vehicle was formally handed over to Singh by Olabisi at the Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters.
 
The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, Bode Ojajuni, commended the Ifo operatives for their swift response, professionalism and vigilance, and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
 
The Command urged vehicle owners to use reliable tracking devices and additional anti-theft measures, including steering and tyre locks.
 
It also advised members of the public to exercise due diligence when entrusting vehicles, property and access to homes or businesses to others.

Hoteliers were similarly advised to strengthen guest and vehicle verification procedures, maintain accurate records and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities.
 
The police urged the public to report suspicious activities through the Gateway Shield toll-free line, 0800 000 9111, or 09164859299 and 09154293464.