The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during a routine stop and search operation within the Ibadan metropolis.
The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Operations Department as part of the Command’s ongoing proactive policing strategy aimed at deterring criminal activities and enhancing public safety across the state.
According to a statement on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspects were intercepted while riding in an unregistered tricycle, popularly known as Keke Maruwa, during a stop and search exercise.
“A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single barrel gun, modified into a short arm for easy concealment,” the statement said.
The suspects were identified as Abdulrahman Rasheed, Biodun Fatai, and Muiz Salawudeen, all between the age range of 18 and 19 years old.
Following their arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, directed that the suspects and the recovered firearm be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for discreet and intelligence driven investigation.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in several armed robbery incidents in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.
They also admitted to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles, as well as dispossessing residents of their valuables at gunpoint.
The police said the suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators, adding that they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
DSP Olayinka noted that the arrest reinforced the effectiveness of stop and search operations and the importance of proactive policing in curbing violent crime.
“The outcome of this operation demonstrates the synergy between frontline policing and intelligence led investigation, and reinforces the Command’s commitment to the protection of lives and property,” he said.
Members of the public were urged to cooperate with the police by providing timely and credible information, stressing that such collaboration remains critical to sustaining public safety.
The Oyo State Police Command equally reaffirmed its resolve to safeguard lives and property across the state.