The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old man alongside two teenage accomplices in connection with a string of armed robbery incidents in Ibadan and surrounding areas.
The suspects were apprehended during a routine stop-and-search operation carried out by operatives of the Command’s Operations Department. The arrest was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
The suspects were intercepted while riding in an unregistered commercial tricycle, popularly known as Keke Maruwa. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrel firearm that had been modified for easy concealment.
“The successful arrest followed a detailed search of the tricycle, which resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel gun altered into a short arm. The suspects were immediately taken into custody,” the statement said.
The police identified the arrested individuals as Abdulrahman Rasheed (19), Biodun Fatai (18), and Muiz Salawudeen (18).
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Following their arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, ordered that the case be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for further investigation using intelligence-led and professional procedures.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to carrying out several armed robbery operations within Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State. They allegedly specialised in stealing mobile phones, motorcycles, and other valuables from residents at gunpoint.
DSP Ayanlade noted that the arrest highlights the effectiveness of proactive policing and intelligence gathering in curbing crime across the state.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while commending the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his leadership and continued support.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
Residents were advised to remain alert and report suspicious activities through the state’s emergency toll-free number, 615.
