Police arrest 3 suspected armed robbers, recover weapons

The Police Command in Oyo State has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and other dangerous exhibits during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade disclosed this in a statement made available on Wednesday in Ibadan.

Ayanlade said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Oluyole Divisional Headquarters while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation around the Rhema Bridge axis of Oluyole, Ibadan on Monday around 12:30 p.m.

“During the operation, the officers intercepted a Bajaj motorcycle conveying three suspicious individuals, leading to their arrest.

“A thorough search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a cut-to-size locally fabricated pistol and an axe concealed inside a black school bag in their possession.

“The suspects were immediately taken into custody, while the exhibits were recovered for further investigation,” the PPRO said.

He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of the Aiye and Eiye cult groups respectively.

Ayanlade said that the Command had intensified investigations to establish the full extent of their involvement in armed robbery, cult-related activities, and other criminal offences.

The command’s spokesman said that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of their criminal network.

He said the state Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the operatives whose action prevented what could have culminated in violent criminal acts.

“The CP reiterates the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led policing, robust visibility patrols, and strategic stop-and-search operations aimed at denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate within the state”, he said.

He said the Command appreciated the continued support of residents and encourages members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to appropriate police channels.