By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested 3 suspected armed robbers and recovered a firearm along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities on major highways.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to the statement, operatives of the Federal Highway Patrol, acting on credible intelligence and with support from members of the public, intercepted a Mazda commercial bus during a routine stop and search operation along the busy expressway.
During the operation, one of the occupants, identified as Imoleayo Ibrahim, was singled out for a search, which led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol concealed on him, and the suspect was immediately arrested.
The police said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect intended to use the firearm for robbery operations along the expressway.
Further interrogation led to the arrest of 2 additional suspects, identified as Ibrahim Najeem and Olamilekan, who were alleged to be accomplices involved in coordinating and executing robbery activities.
“All suspects are currently undergoing further investigation as efforts are being intensified to unravel the full extent of the criminal network,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olutunji Rilwan Disu, for his leadership and commitment to improving security operations nationwide, praising the professionalism of the operatives involved, and acknowledged the role of members of the public in providing timely and credible information.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that community collaboration is vital to preventing crime and ensuring public safety.