SWAT arrests Ogun man, recovers 16 iron rods and gas cylinders

Arrest in Ogun State

On 23 October 2026, authorities from the Ogun State Police Command’s Special Weapons and Tactics division took into custody Shobande Taofeek, a 36‑year‑old local man. The arrest followed intelligence that the suspect had been involved in vandalising railway infrastructure on the Arigbajo axis. According to Police Public Relations Officer DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the intervention resulted in the seizure of 16 railway iron rods and two gas cylinders that had been employed to sever the tracks.

The SWAT team intensified surveillance and patrols in the affected area before apprehending Taofeek. After his arrest, the suspect guided officers to an unfinished building where the stolen items were found and seized as evidence.

Delta State Police Action

In a separate incident, the Delta State Police Command’s Special Anti‑Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) arrested a 62‑year‑old man named Richard Nmorsi on 21 October 2026. The arrest took place in Ekuku‑Agbor Community, Ika South Local Government Area, following a credible intelligence report. A search warrant led to the discovery of a locally fabricated single‑barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges, and a substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

Delta Police spokesperson Bright Edafe stated that the suspect and the recovered items were taken into custody while the investigation proceeds. He added that Nmorsi would be charged once the inquiry concludes.

Background

Railway vandalism has been a growing concern in Ogun State, with previous incidents reported in the region. The SWAT unit’s operation is part of a broader effort by the Ogun State Police Command to protect public assets and critical infrastructure. Commissioner of Police CP Bode Ojajuni emphasised the command’s commitment to bringing perpetrators of economic sabotage to justice and urged residents to cooperate with police investigations.

In Delta State, the SAKU unit routinely conducts operations based on intelligence to curb criminal activities, including possession of firearms and illicit substances. The recovery of the firearm and suspected drug in Nmorsi’s residence aligns with the unit’s mandate to prevent armed robbery and drug trafficking.

Why it matters

The recovery of 16 iron rods and gas cylinders in Ogun State highlights the threat posed by vandalism to essential transportation infrastructure. Railway tracks are vital for passenger and freight movement; damage can disrupt services and pose safety risks. By seizing the materials, the police have averted potential further harm to the rail network.

In Delta State, the seizure of a firearm and 24 live cartridges directly addresses concerns over armed violence. The suspected Indian hemp also points to ongoing drug trafficking challenges. The arrests demonstrate the police’s capacity to act on intelligence and secure evidence that could lead to prosecutions.

Both incidents underscore the importance of community cooperation. Police officials in both states urged residents to provide credible information to aid investigations and prevent future crimes.

What happens next

In Ogun State, the police continue to pursue other suspects linked to the railway vandalism and are working to recover additional stolen property. The investigation into Taofeek’s alleged previous offences is ongoing.

In Delta State, the investigation into Richard Nmorsi’s possession of a firearm and suspected drug is still underway. The suspect is expected to be charged once the inquiry is complete, as stated by the Delta Police spokesperson.

The authorities in both states remain committed to safeguarding public assets and ensuring that perpetrators of economic sabotage and armed crime are brought to justice.