The Oyo State Police Command has intercepted two suspects over the alleged theft of diesel valued at about ₦12 million at a construction site in Ibadan, marking what authorities described as a significant operational breakthrough.
Oyo state Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Friday evening.
The suspects according to the police, were apprehended by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit at Kopek Construction Company in Ibadan while allegedly siphoning liquid substances believed to be diesel from a mixer truck.
According to the statement, the arrest followed credible intelligence and timely information provided by members of the public.
The police added that a search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of 24 barrels containing 240 litres each of liquid suspected to be diesel, amounting to approximately 10,000 litres.
Police authorities estimated the value of the recovered product at ₦12 million.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, commended the professionalism and dedication of the operatives involved in the operation.
He also lauded the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that his vision and guidance continue to strengthen policing efforts nationwide.
The Command further acknowledged the support of residents whose vigilance and cooperation aided the swift interception of the suspects and the recovery of the product, thereby preventing further losses.
The state Police command confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody, while investigations are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged theft and identify any other accomplices.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the Command urged members of the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to security agencies in the fight against crime.