The Zone 2 Zonal Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arrested nine suspects linked to two syndicates allegedly involved in the theft and diversion of goods in transit, as well as criminal conspiracy.

The police said the operation led to the recovery of diverted goods valued at about N60 million.

The suspects were identified as Innocent Nkem, 49; Gasali Ojo, 42; Arogundade Owolabi, 56; Banji Olatunji, 43; Dickson Nchekwube, 46; Henry Uwa, 51; Ikechukwu Olua, 52; Oludare Ebunolu, 73; and Imadu Charles, 62.

The Zonal Headquarters said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence received from a reliable informant.

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 2, Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, said the syndicates operated through criminal arrangements involving truck drivers and their assistants, who deliberately diverted goods from their lawful destinations before selling them to receivers at low prices.

According to him, detectives attached to the Zone 2 Headquarters Dragon Team on May 15, 2026, launched a covert investigation aimed at dismantling the criminal networks responsible for diverting goods to illegal receivers and black-market buyers.

Jimoh explained that after carrying out the transactions, the suspects usually abandoned the trailers or trucks at strategic locations and fled to evade arrest.

He said investigations revealed that members of the first syndicate diverted two Benin-bound trucks loaded with 45,000 litres of molasses.

The AIG disclosed that the first truck was recovered while the suspects were illegally trans-loading the chemicals at the Itokin area of Lagos State to a receiver identified as Banji Olatunji.

“The second truck and goods were recovered at Ogere trailer park in Ogun State while the suspect was searching for a buyer. The estimated value of a 45,000 litres loaded truck of molasses is N11 million,” he said.

In a related development, Jimoh said detectives uncovered another syndicate on May 15, 2026, responsible for diverting a trailer load of dairy products meant for Jos, Plateau State.

According to him, the goods, which were loaded in Sagamu, Ogun State, were illegally diverted to Oludare Ebunolu in the Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State.

He said detectives recovered the diverted dairy products valued at about N28 million.

The AIG directed that investigations be intensified to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicates.

He assured the public that the police would continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within Lagos and Ogun states.

Jimoh also reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding commercial activities and ensuring that criminal elements had no hiding place within the zone.