…begin statewide enforcement against unmarked vehicles, motorcycles
The Oyo State Police Command has disclosed that the Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers at Ikoyi-Ile area of the state.
This was as the Command announced the commencement of a statewide enforcement operation targeting unmarked vehicles, fake number plates and identity-concealing motorcycle practices.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, through a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan, said the twin actions reflect the Command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-led policing aimed at staying ahead of criminal threats rather than reacting after harm has been done.
According to the Police, the arrests followed a threat report received on Friday, January 9, 2026. A resident of Ikoyi-Ile, identified as Islamiat Omowumi, reported that she received a phone call from a private number in which the caller threatened to kidnap her, demanded human parts, and asked for a ransom of ₦10 million.
The caller allegedly claimed she was being targeted because she is a meat seller and warned of grave consequences if the demand was not met.
Detectives were immediately deployed, and through intelligence-driven investigations, three suspects were arrested.
They were identified as Nurudeen Fathia, 17; Fatai Taiwo, 17; and Munirat Saliu, 16, all female. A small Itel mobile phone allegedly used to make the threatening call was recovered from them.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to making the call, describing it as a prank. Police authorities, however, stressed that such acts constitute serious criminal offences capable of causing fear, panic and potential loss of life.
The suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue, after which appropriate legal action will be taken in line with the law.
The Command used the incident to caution youths against engaging in actions that may appear trivial but carry grave legal consequences, warning that threats, hoaxes and intimidation are treated seriously under criminal law.
Similarly, the Police Command has announced that from Monday, January 11, 2026, it will begin full enforcement against practices that aid criminal mobility and concealment across Oyo State.
The enforcement will target unmarked vehicles without valid registration numbers, vehicles and motorcycles bearing covered, defaced, fake, dealer or unauthorized number plates, as well as motorcyclists who wear hoods or masks in a manner that conceals their identity.
CP Haruna said the decision was informed by credible intelligence showing that criminals increasingly exploit such practices to evade detection and perpetrate crimes within communities.
He explained that offenders will be arrested, while the vehicles or motorcycles involved will be impounded and suspects prosecuted after investigations.
As part of the preparatory steps, the Commissioner of Police recently met with leaders of commercial motorcyclists across the state, sensitizing them on the new enforcement regime.
He warned that anyone using motorcycles as cover for criminal activities would face the full weight of the law. To strengthen cooperation, he shared his personal contact with union leaders to encourage the timely flow of credible intelligence, assuring them of confidentiality and swift police response.
The Command added that routine stop-and-search operations, checkpoints and intelligence-driven patrols remain lawful tools of crime prevention and will continue to be strategically deployed statewide.
CP Haruna also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that the Oyo Command’s actions align with the national policing vision that prioritizes proactive operations and strong community partnership.
Residents of the state were equally urged to remain law-abiding, vigilant and security-conscious, and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or security post.
The Police Command reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, promising to uphold professionalism, discipline and accountability in the discharge of its duties.