The Oyo State Police Command has arrested suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, ritualists and vehicle theft syndicates across different parts of the state.
The police also recovered dismembered human head, guns, charm, 497 bags of maize allegedly diverted from a federal food security intervention programme, and other items.
Speaking at his maiden press briefing held on Thursday, April 16, at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, said the operations formed part of its renewed push towards intelligence-driven policing and stronger community collaboration.
“This engagement is borne out of our firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustained partnership with the public in our collective quest to ensure the safety of lives and property,”
the Commissioner stated.
He added that since assuming office, the Command had remained “resolute and proactive in confronting all forms of criminality through intelligence-led policing, strategic deployment of personnel, and robust collaboration with other security agencies and law-abiding citizens.”
According to him, the efforts have “continued to yield tangible results in crime prevention, detection, and control.”
Among the major breakthroughs highlighted was the dismantling of a vehicle theft syndicate operating across Ibadan.
Police investigations also led to the arrest of a suspect found with nine Toyota ignition keys, allegedly used to steal vehicles from where they were parked within the metropolis.
“The suspect confessed that he and his syndicate members have been using the recovered ignition keys to remove vehicles from where they were parked within Ibadan metropolis,” Olugbenga disclosed.
Further operations led to the arrest of a suspected receiver and the recovery of five stolen vehicles, including a Toyota RAV4 and multiple Toyota Corolla and Camry models.
In another operation, a suspected armed robber was apprehended during a stop-and-search duty in the Akobo area of Ibadan. He was found in possession of a pump-action gun and live cartridges.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to having been part of a series of armed robbery operations masterminded at different locations within Ibadan and its environs,” the Commissioner said.
Subsequent raids led to the arrest of additional gang members and the recovery of vehicles stolen from victims, which have since been returned.
The Command also dismantled a cross-state armed robbery syndicate operating between Oyo and neighbouring states.
Acting on credible intelligence, the police boss said operatives tracked and arrested the alleged kingpin and other members in coordinated operations across Ibadan and Osogbo.
“They were apprehended while preparing for another armed robbery operation, and two locally made guns were recovered,” Olugbenga stated.
In Ogbomoso, police operatives responded swiftly to an armed robbery attack on a commercial motorcyclist, arresting two suspects after a chase and recovering the stolen motorcycle.
On ritual-related crimes, the Command confirmed the arrest of four suspects in Ibadan, with items suspected to be human body parts recovered during a search.
“A thorough search led to the recovery of meat suspected to be human flesh, black pots, and black soap suspected to have been prepared from human parts,” the Commissioner revealed, adding that investigations were ongoing.
The police also recorded significant progress in tackling kidnapping in the state. Olugbenga disclosed that a notorious syndicate linked to multiple abductions in Oyo town and surrounding communities had been disrupted.
He detailed how victims were abducted at gunpoint and ransoms of up to ₦40 million demanded.
“Discreet investigation and sustained intelligence gathering led to the arrest of three members of the syndicate, they also confessed to several other kidnapping and armed robbery operations across Oyo State,” he said.
He noted that efforts were however, ongoing to arrest fleeing members in order to bring them to book.
In one of the most striking recoveries, the Command uncovered a syndicate involved in hijacking and diverting trucks transporting goods across states.
A truck carrying maize branded under the Presidential Food Security Intervention programme was intercepted and diverted to a hideout in Ibadan.
“A total of 497 bags of maize were recovered at Akufo Farm Settlement, Ido, Ibadan,” Olugbenga confirmed.
Other arrests included suspected motorcycle thieves intercepted during patrol operations, as well as a suspect caught with a locally made firearm in Apata while allegedly planning a robbery.
The Commissioner attributed the successes to the dedication of officers and the cooperation of the public.
“The successes recorded are not only a testament to the dedication, professionalism, and courage of our officers and men, but also underscore the invaluable support and cooperation of members of the public,” he said.
He urged residents to sustain the partnership with law enforcement, stressing that “security remains a shared responsibility.”
Reassuring citizens, Olugbenga said the Command would not relent in its efforts saying: “We will continue to intensify our operations, strengthen intelligence gathering mechanisms, and ensure that all those involved in criminal activities are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
He further assured residents that they could go about their lawful activities without fear, as “adequate measures have been put in place to ensure sustained peace and security across the State.”