Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 36-year-old man, Shobande Taofeek, over the alleged vandalism and theft of critical railway infrastructure in the Arigbajo axis of Ewekoro Local Government Area.
​The suspect was apprehended on Friday, October 23, 2026, following targeted intelligence gathered by security operatives regarding ongoing theft and sabotage of railway materials in the area.
​Confirming the arrest in an official statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, revealed that SWAT operatives intensified surveillance and tactical patrols in Arigbajo based on credible information, resulting in Taofeek’s arrest.
​”The operation led to the recovery of 16 heavy-duty railway iron rods and two gas cylinders used as cutting tools for dismantling the tracks,” Babaseyi stated. “Upon interrogation, the suspect led operatives to an uncompleted building in the area where the stolen railway exhibits were hidden.”
​The police spokesperson added that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in similar vandalism operations on at least three previous occasions.
​Reiterating the Command’s stance on critical infrastructure protection, the Commissioner of Police for Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, warned that the police will continue to treat the destruction of public utility assets as acts of economic sabotage.
​CP Ojajuni assured the public that efforts are currently ongoing to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate connected to the crime. He further urged residents of Ogun State to remain vigilant and support law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities around public installations.
​The suspect remains in custody as police finalize investigations before filing formal charges in court.
