The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that men of the Operations Department, during a routine stop-and-search exercise, successfully intercepted and apprehended three suspected armed robbers within the Ibadan metropolis. This operation is part of the Command’s proactive policing strategies, which include roadblocks and stop-and-search measures, designed to deter criminal activities, prevent armed robbery, and ensure the safety of residents across Oyo State.

During the operation, the operatives intercepted an unregistered tricycle, popularly known in local parlance as “Keke Maruwa,” carrying two passengers, with the rider making it three occupants. A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, modified into a short arm suitable for concealment. The immediate apprehension of the occupants was a direct result of the vigilance of the operatives and the effectiveness of the stop-and-search strategy.

The suspects were identified as:
Abdulrahman Rasheed, male, 19 years;
Biodun Fatai, male, 18 years; and
Muiz Salawudeen, male, 18 years.

Following their arrest, and recognizing the need for discreet investigation, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command CP Femi Haruna psc(+), directed that the suspects and the recovered firearm be handed over to the Command Monitoring Unit. This ensured that the investigation would be thorough, professional, and intelligence-driven, building on the initial success recorded during the stop-and-search operation.

During interrogation by the Monitoring Unit, the suspects confessed to having been involved in several cases of armed robbery in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State. They further admitted to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles, as well as dispossessing residents of their valuables at gunpoint. These confessions confirmed the intelligence value of the initial stop-and-search operation and highlighted the importance of proactive policing in curbing violent crime.

The suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with the ongoing investigation, after which they will be charged to court accordingly. This outcome demonstrates the synergy between frontline proactive measures and intelligence-led investigation, and reinforces the message that the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to the protection of lives and property.