The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate and recovered goods valued at ₦31,750,000 following a credible tip-off from members of the public in Ibadan.
The suspects were apprehended after a reported armed robbery incident involving one Ezekiel Inije, who was allegedly attacked at gunpoint by a five-man gang along the Coca-Cola area in Asejire, Ibadan.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, personally directed the CP Monitoring Unit to immediately commence a targeted operation.
According to the statement, the unit deployed a combination of human intelligence, technological resources, and investigative expertise, which led operatives to track the suspects to the Oko area of Ogbomoso, where three members of the gang were arrested.
The arrested suspects were identified as Chigbo Mesoma, 24; Erondu Wisdom, 29; and Okechukwu Emmanuel, 25.
Police recovered a Howo Long vehicle with Lagos registration number AAA 724 YJ, loaded with 2,000 bags of Karma Agric Chicken Feeds valued at ₦31,750,000. Other items recovered include a cutlass and an additional Lagos State vehicle number plate marked LSR 339 XW.
Commending the operatives for their swift action, CP Haruna praised their professionalism and dedication, noting that their prompt response was instrumental to the success of the operation.
He also lauded members of the public for providing timely and credible intelligence, describing community cooperation as critical in the fight against crime.
The police chief assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate, said to be notorious for highway robbery and the hijacking of goods. He stressed that no effort would be spared in ensuring they are brought to justice.
The command further disclosed that the arrested suspects are cooperating with investigators and have confessed to their involvement in the crime.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the police warned that Oyo State would not serve as a haven for criminal elements and urged residents to continue sharing useful information, with assurances that all tips would be treated with strict confidentiality.
