Operatives recover locally made firearm and seven cartridges during intelligence-led raid in the Sabo-Mokola area

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered a locally made firearm with seven cartridges during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan, as security agencies intensify efforts to curb violent crime across the state.

Also read: Oyo police arrest 11 LAUTECH students over alleged cultism

The operation, carried out by operatives of the command’s Monitoring Unit in the early hours of Monday, targeted a suspected criminal hideout in the Sabo-Mokola area of the Oyo State capital.

The Oyo Police Arrest Three Suspected Robbers operation followed credible intelligence indicating that the suspects were allegedly using the apartment as a base for armed robbery activities.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspects were identified as Tomiwa Ayomide, 28, Haruna Kabiru, 32, and Haruna Hassan, also known as “Malo”, 32.

DSP Ayanlade said officers conducted a coordinated raid on the location after receiving actionable intelligence about the group’s alleged activities.

“The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the state of violent crimes with the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and the recovery of a firearm and ammunition,” the statement read.

The police spokesperson said a search of the apartment resulted in the recovery of one single-barrel, locally made cut-to-size gun and seven live cartridges believed to be connected to the suspects.

“Acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of suspected armed robbers operating from a hideout within the Sabo-Mokola area of Ibadan, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit conducted a coordinated raid on the identified apartment in the early hours of the day,” Ayanlade said.

He added that the suspects remain in police custody while detectives continue investigations to establish whether they are linked to other criminal incidents within Oyo State and neighbouring areas.

“The suspects are currently in police custody while investigations continue to determine their involvement in other criminal activities and to apprehend possible accomplices,” the statement added.

The latest arrests form part of the Oyo State Police Command’s ongoing campaign against violent crime, armed robbery and other security threats.

In recent months, the command has stepped up intelligence-led operations, surveillance and targeted raids aimed at dismantling criminal networks operating across Ibadan and other parts of the state.

Police authorities reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property and appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing security operations.

Also read: Oyo police arrest four suspected cultists, robbers

The command noted that community cooperation remains a critical component of efforts to identify criminal hideouts, prevent violent offences and improve public safety across Oyo State.