Dare Babalola
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered a toy pistol during a routine patrol operation in Ibadan, reinforcing its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the suspects were apprehended on April 6, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m. during a stop-and-search exercise along Awolowo Road in the Bodija area of Ibadan.
The police disclosed that operatives attached to the Bodija Housing Division intercepted a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BDJ 386 QH.
The motorcycle was being ridden by 26-year-old Godwin Cletus and carried two passengers, identified as Adedokun Isah, 17, and Rafiu Usman, 19, all residents of the Gbaremu area of the city.
“The interception, which was based on reasonable suspicion, led to a thorough search of the suspects and their belongings,” the statement read.
During the search, officers recovered a toy pistol concealed in a black bag, along with six mobile phones found in the possession of the suspects.
The discovery raised further suspicion, prompting their immediate arrest.
“In the course of the search, a toy pistol concealed in a black bag was recovered, alongside six different mobile phones found in their possession. This discovery heightened suspicion and provided reasonable grounds for their immediate arrest,” the Command stated.
Police authorities added that preliminary interrogation of the suspects yielded confessional statements linking them to robbery activities within the area.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to engaging in the robbery of unsuspecting members of the public, dispossessing them of their valuables. Their confessional statements have since provided useful leads, thereby strengthening ongoing investigative efforts,” the statement added.
The suspects are currently in custody, while a full-scale investigation has commenced to uncover the extent of their operations and identify possible accomplices.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the officers involved in the operation for their vigilance and professionalism.
He also expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force leadership for its continued support, while urging residents to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies.
“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the State, and further updates will be communicated as investigations progress,” the statement concluded.
Residents were also encouraged to report emergencies through the Oyo State Call Response Center toll-free line 615, or via the Police Command’s control room numbers.
