The Oyo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its crackdown on crime, arresting suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, ritualists, and vehicle thieves, while recovering 497 bags of maize meant for a Federal Government intervention programme.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, outlining a series of coordinated operations by the Command Monitoring Unit and other tactical teams.
He said the successes were driven by intelligence-led policing and collaboration with residents, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Operatives, he revealed, dismantled a vehicle theft syndicate operating across Ibadan, leading to the arrest of a suspect and recovery of nine master ignition keys used in stealing cars. Further investigations led to another arrest and the recovery of five stolen vehicles, including Toyota Camry, Corolla, Sienna, and RAV4 models.
In a separate operation, police arrested suspected highway robbers during a stop-and-search exercise in the Akobo area. One suspect was initially caught with a pump-action rifle and cartridges, while follow-up operations led to the arrest of three additional gang members who reportedly confessed to multiple robberies.
Another robbery syndicate operating across Oyo and neighbouring states was also dismantled, with arrests made in Ibadan and Osogbo, and the recovery of locally made firearms.
The police also busted a kidnapping ring responsible for abductions in Oyo town and surrounding communities. According to the CP, the gang demanded ransoms of up to N40 million, with three members arrested and others still at large.
In Ibadan, suspected ritualists were apprehended following intelligence reports, with items suspected to be human flesh, black pots, and other ritual paraphernalia recovered.
Olugbenga further disclosed that operatives intercepted a truckload of maize under the Federal Government’s food security intervention scheme that had been diverted. Three suspects were arrested, and 497 bags labelled “Presidential Food Security Intervention” were recovered from a hideout.
Other operations led to the arrest of suspects linked to motorcycle theft, armed robbery, and vehicle snatching in areas including New Garage, Apata, Ogbomoso, Ilora, and Ido. Recovered items included stolen motorcycles, a Lexus ES350, and additional vehicles traced to neighbouring Ondo State.
In total, the police recovered five firearms, ammunition, multiple vehicles and motorcycles, alongside other exhibits tied to criminal activities.
The CP commended residents for their cooperation, noting that credible information from the public played a key role in the successes recorded.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the timely support of the public,” he said, assuring that the Command would sustain its operations to rid the state of criminal elements.
He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police and the Oyo State Government for their continued support in strengthening security across the state.
