The Zone 2 Police Command in Onikan, Lagos State, has arrested nine suspects linked to organised syndicates involved in diverting goods in transit and stealing cargo meant for lawful destinations.

According to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the zone, Olohundare Jimoh, the operation was carried out by the Zone 2 Dragon Team following credible intelligence from informants.

The covert operation targeted criminal networks allegedly working with some truck drivers and their assistants to divert goods and sell them to illegal buyers at reduced prices.The arrests were made on May 15, and the suspects are aged between 42 and 62 years.

Investigations revealed that the syndicates were responsible for diverting high-value cargo, including two 45,000-litre trucks loaded with molasses chemical meant for delivery to Benin.One of the trucks was intercepted at Itokin area in Lagos while the suspects were allegedly transferring its contents to a receiver.The second truck was later recovered at Ogere trailer park in Ogun State as the suspects searched for a buyer.Authorities estimated each truck’s content to be worth about N11 million.In a related case, another syndicate was discovered to have diverted a trailer load of dairy products worth about N28 million.The goods, originally loaded in Sagamu and destined for Jos, were diverted to Ijebu Ode where they were sold off.However, detectives were able to recover the products before they were fully disposed of.The police command stated that investigations are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicates.

AIG Jimoh assured residents in Lagos and Ogun that the command remains committed to tackling economic sabotage and ensuring safety in commercial transportation.He also confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.