Security operatives in Ibadan have arrested three suspected armed robbers following a coordinated intelligence-led operation that also led to the recovery of weapons, stolen phones, and cash believed to be proceeds of criminal activities.
The operation, carried out by officers of the Oyo State Police Command, marks another breakthrough in ongoing efforts to strengthen security and curb criminal activities in the state capital.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspects were apprehended during a patrol and stop-and-search operation in parts of Ibadan.
The police said the suspects had been terrorizing residents and motorists around some busy areas of the city.
Authorities revealed that the suspects were responsible for several armed robbery incidents targeting unsuspecting members of the public, particularly around the Toll Gate and Egbeda areas of Ibadan.
Their arrest followed a targeted operation designed to track and intercept suspected criminals operating within the metropolis.
Police sources explained that the operation began when officers on patrol around the General Gas area of Akobo noticed a motorcyclist whose movement appeared suspicious.
When the rider sighted the police operatives, he reportedly attempted to escape, raising further suspicion.
The officers immediately gave chase and successfully apprehended the suspect after a short pursuit. He was later identified as Abiodun Adeyemi Michael.
Investigators said the suspect had previously been on the police watch list due to intelligence reports linking him to criminal activities across state borders.
Authorities believe he operates along routes connecting Lagos State, Ogun State and Oyo State.
The police spokesperson stated that the arrest highlights the importance of intelligence gathering and proactive policing in tackling crime within Ibadan.
Following his arrest, officers conducted a thorough search which resulted in the recovery of several items believed to have been stolen during previous robbery operations.
Among the items recovered were a Magnum pump-action firearm loaded with six live cartridges, numerous mobile phones, and other valuables.
The recovered phones included multiple iPhone models such as iPhone 17, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone XR and iPhone 8.
Other devices found in the suspect’s possession included Tecno phones, Redmi devices, and a Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Police also recovered a Wi-Fi device, a power bank, an Oraimo radio, four wristwatches, and a cash sum of ₦130,000.
Authorities believe the items were taken from victims during robbery attacks carried out in different parts of Ibadan.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to carrying out armed robbery operations with three accomplices identified as Olaoluwa Pamole, Ahmed Ismail, and Lamidi.
According to investigators, the suspects would often target individuals in isolated areas where they could threaten victims with firearms and quickly escape with valuables.
The confession provided critical information that helped the police track down other members of the gang involved in the Ibadan robbery operations.
Acting on the intelligence provided during interrogation, a team of operatives from the Command Monitoring Unit worked together with officers from the Akobo Division to track the suspects to their meeting location.
The police team proceeded to Access Hotel located in the Sawmill area of Onipepeye along Iwo Road in Ibadan, where they believed the gang members usually gathered.
During the operation, two suspects — Olaoluwa Pamole and Ahmed Ismail — were successfully arrested.
However, the third accomplice identified as Lamidi managed to escape and is currently being pursued by law enforcement authorities.
The police assured residents that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the remaining network connected to the criminal group operating in Ibadan.
Further investigations also revealed that the suspects may have been involved in car theft outside Oyo State.
According to the police, the suspects admitted their involvement in the snatching of an ash-coloured Honda vehicle in Abeokuta.
Authorities believe the gang may be part of a wider network involved in armed robbery and vehicle theft across southwestern Nigeria.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, ordered that the case be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for detailed investigation and prosecution.
He also directed officers to intensify efforts to capture the fleeing suspect and ensure all those involved in the criminal activities face justice.
The commissioner praised the professionalism and swift response of the officers whose actions led to the successful arrests and recovery of stolen items in Ibadan.
The police command urged residents of Ibadan and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious movements.
Authorities also advised individuals who may have recently lost phones or valuables during robbery incidents around Egbeda or Toll Gate to visit the police Command Monitoring Unit for possible identification and recovery of their belongings.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to improving security and protecting lives and property across Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State through continued intelligence-driven policing operations.
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