The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a large-scale cement diversion operation, leading to the arrest of three suspects in connection with the alleged theft and illegal sale of 900 bags of cement valued at approximately N18 million.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives intercepted a Dangote truck in the Soka area of Ibadan, where the consignment was reportedly being offloaded for unauthorized distribution. The cement had been secretly diverted from its original lawful delivery destination.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the arrest. He explained that officers attached to the Sanyo Police Division received actionable information on December 31, 2025, indicating that a truck loaded with cement had been fraudulently rerouted.
“On 31st December 2025, intelligence received through our robust intelligence-led policing efforts indicated that nine hundred bags of cement, concealed in a Dangote truck, had allegedly been stolen and diverted from their original delivery location,” DSP Olayinka stated.
He further noted that the consignment had already been sold prior to police intervention, however, the swift response by law enforcement, prevented the suspects from fully profiting from the scheme.
Investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full extent of the diversion network and identify any additional accomplices.
