The Oyo State Police Command has intensified its offensive against violent crime in Ibadan, recording a significant breakthrough in the fight against Armed Robbery.
Three suspected members of a robbery syndicate accused of terrorising parts of the city for months have been arrested, while goods valued at ₦31,750,000 were successfully recovered.
The development followed a reported attack on a businessman, Ezekiel Inije, who was allegedly ambushed by a five-man gang along the Coca-Cola area in Asejire, Ibadan.
According to police sources, the attackers intercepted the victim’s truck at gunpoint and diverted it to an unknown destination after overpowering him.
The incident, believed to be part of a growing pattern of Armed Robbery operations targeting commercial transporters, immediately triggered swift action from law enforcement authorities.
Acting on credible intelligence provided by concerned residents, security operatives launched a coordinated manhunt to track down the perpetrators.
Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, reportedly directed the Command’s Monitoring Unit to prioritise the investigation.
Officers combined community-based intelligence gathering with digital tracking tools and tactical surveillance to trace the suspects’ movements beyond Ibadan metropolis.
Investigations eventually led operatives to the Oko area of Ogbomoso, where three suspects were apprehended during a targeted operation.
The arrested individuals were identified as Chigbo Mesoma, 24; Erondu Wisdom, 29; and Okechukwu Emmanuel, 25.
Authorities disclosed that the suspects were intercepted while attempting to secure a location for the stolen cargo.
Recovered from the suspects was a Howo Long truck bearing Lagos registration number AAA 724 YJ.
The vehicle was loaded with 2,000 bags of Karma Agric Chicken Feeds with an estimated market value of ₦31,750,000.
Police confirmed that the goods matched the description provided by the victim shortly after the Armed Robbery attack.
In addition to the truck and its cargo, officers recovered a cutlass suspected to have been used during the operation and an extra Lagos State vehicle number plate, LSR 339 XW.
Investigators believe the additional plate may have been intended to disguise the truck’s identity and frustrate tracking efforts.
Security officials described the recovery as a major relief for both the victim and commercial operators who have been increasingly concerned about cargo theft and highway attacks.
The recent spike in Armed Robbery incidents along key transport corridors in Ibadan has prompted renewed calls for improved security surveillance in vulnerable areas.
Community leaders in Asejire and neighbouring districts expressed appreciation for the rapid response of the police.
Some residents had earlier raised concerns over suspicious movements of unknown individuals around commercial loading points and highways.
Their timely tip-off, authorities say, was instrumental in breaking the case.
While three suspects are now in custody, police sources indicated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang who managed to escape during the initial operation.
Detectives are also examining whether the syndicate has links to other reported cases of Armed Robbery within Oyo State and neighbouring regions.
Law enforcement officials emphasised that intelligence-driven policing remains central to dismantling organised criminal networks.
The Command reiterated its commitment to strengthening partnerships with residents, transport unions, and business owners to curb violent crimes.
Preliminary interrogation of the suspects is ongoing, and authorities have assured the public that due process will be followed.
Once investigations are concluded, the suspects are expected to face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law.
Security analysts note that cargo theft and organised Armed Robbery have evolved in recent years, with syndicates often targeting agricultural and commercial goods due to their high resale value.
The swift recovery in this case is therefore seen as a strategic victory aimed at deterring future attacks.
The Oyo State Police Command has urged citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities, stressing that sustained collaboration between law enforcement and the public is key to maintaining safety across Ibadan and its environs.
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