The Ogun State Police Command has recovered a 2016 Toyota Camry allegedly stolen from an Indian national in Lagos and returned the vehicle to its owner after it was tracked to a hotel in Ifo.
The recovery followed a report of the theft and was completed in less than eight hours, according to the police, after officers activated intelligence and surveillance operations across the Ifo axis.
The vehicle belongs to Abhay Singh, an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate in Lagos, and was allegedly taken on September 9, 2026, by his driver, Waidi Olaide Kolawale.
Police said Kolawale had been employed only two days before the incident and allegedly told his employer that he was taking the vehicle to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a faulty tyre.
According to the Command, the driver allegedly absconded with the vehicle instead of returning after leaving with it for the reported repair.
Following the complaint, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo area of Ogun State, prompting the police to relay the information to the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi.
Olabisi was said to have analysed the available intelligence before deploying surveillance and anti-robbery operatives to track the vehicle and identify its location.
The officers followed the vehicle through several locations before eventually locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30 p.m., according to the police account.
The Command said Kolawale fled after sighting the operatives, taking the vehicle's ignition key with him, while an alleged accomplice identified as Monday Adetunji was arrested at the scene.
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspects had approached a mechanic with the intention of removing the vehicle's catalytic converter.
The mechanic, however, allegedly declined to carry out the requested work, after which the vehicle remained under the suspects' control until the police operation led to its recovery.
The recovered Toyota Camry was subsequently secured at the Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters while officers continued efforts to locate the fleeing suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
After the police verified ownership of the vehicle, it was formally handed back to Singh by the Ifo Divisional Police Officer at the divisional headquarters.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as a swift response, professionalism and vigilance.
Ojajuni also reaffirmed the Command's commitment to protecting lives and property while urging residents to support security agencies with timely information about suspicious activities.
The police advised vehicle owners to install reliable tracking devices and consider additional anti-theft measures such as steering locks and tyre locks.
The Command also urged members of the public to exercise caution and conduct proper checks when entrusting vehicles, homes, businesses or other valuable property to employees and other individuals.
Hotel operators were equally advised to strengthen their vehicle and guest verification procedures, maintain accurate records and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities observed on their premises.
The police further urged residents with information about suspicious activities to contact the Gateway Shield toll-free line or the designated telephone numbers provided by the Ogun State Police Command.
Efforts are reportedly continuing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft and attempted removal of the vehicle's catalytic converter.