The Oyo State Police Command has recovered stolen rail tracks, valued at ₦200 million, from arrested three suspected members of a railway vandalism syndicate.
The arrest of the suspects and recovery of the stolen rail tracks were made on Tuesday at Gambari in Orile-Igbon area of the state.
The state PPRO, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, made the disclosure in a press release, adding that the breakthrough followed a timely tip-off from a vigilant member of the public.
The Police described the arrest and recovery as another significant operational success in the sustained campaign against economic sabotage and the vandalisation of critical national infrastructure.
How the rail tracks were recovered
“Acting on the credible intelligence, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit swiftly mobilised to Gambari, Orile-Igbon area of Oyo State, where they intercepted the suspects on 14 July, 2026, at about 1:45 p.m. before the stolen railway materials could be moved to their final destination.
“The suspects, identified as Waheed Ayinde ‘M’ (54 years), Muhammed Sani ‘M’ (27 years), and Hassan Ibrahim ‘M’ (22 years), were arrested in connection with the illegal movement of vandalised railway tracks.
“Recovered during the operation were vandalised rail tracks estimated to worth ₦200 million and a HOWO truck bearing registration number CAL 972 XA (Cross River), allegedly used in conveying the stolen items.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the railway tracks were unlawfully removed from Niger State and transported into Oyo State as part of a coordinated criminal operation, with Lagos serving as the intended final destination.
“Further findings established that the arrested suspects played distinct roles in the syndicate.
“They include the contracted driver responsible for conveying the stolen railway tracks to Lagos, a co-conspirator involved in coordinating the operation, and a temporary receiver who provided a storage location in Ogbomoso, pending the clandestine movement of the stolen materials to their final destination,” it was stated in the release.
The arrested three suspects were said to have made useful confessional statements and were cooperating with investigators.
“Efforts are currently ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who remain at large, recover additional exhibits connected with the operation, and conclude a comprehensive investigation for diligent prosecution,” it was added.
Reacting to the breakthrough, the state Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the vigilant member of the public.
He said their timely information led to the success of the operation, and described the feat as a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and community partnership.
He urged residents of Oyo State to continue to support the Police and other security agencies with credible and timely information, assuring them that every actionable intelligence will receive prompt operational response.
The police commissioner further reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure.
He emphasised that the Oyo State Police Command will not allow the state to become a breeding ground or safe haven for criminals and other perpetrators of economic sabotage.
