The suspects were intercepted by operatives of the Command’s Operations Department while riding in an unregistered tricycle, popularly known as Keke Maruwa, within the metropolis. The operation formed part of the Command’s proactive policing strategies, which include roadblocks and stop-and-search exercises designed to deter criminal activities and prevent violent crimes.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the operatives became suspicious of the tricycle and its occupants during the exercise and consequently subjected them to a thorough search.
During the search, a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, modified into a short arm for easy concealment, was recovered from the suspects. The discovery immediately led to their arrest.
The suspects were identified as Abdulrahman Rasheed, 19; Biodun Fatai, 18; and Muiz Salawudeen, 18.
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, directed that the suspects and the recovered firearm be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for detailed and discreet investigation. The directive, according to the police, was aimed at ensuring a professional, thorough and intelligence-driven probe into the suspects’ activities.
During interrogation by the Monitoring Unit, the suspects reportedly confessed to having been involved in several armed robbery incidents within Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State. They also admitted to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles, as well as dispossessing residents of their valuables at gunpoint.
The police said the confessions underscored the importance of proactive policing and reinforced the effectiveness of stop-and-search operations in detecting and preventing crime.
The Command noted that the suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators. They are expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reaffirming its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the police described the operation as a demonstration of the synergy between frontline security measures and intelligence-led investigations.
The Command also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and unwavering support, which have continued to strengthen crime prevention efforts nationwide.
Members of the public were urged to cooperate with police operatives by providing timely and credible information capable of aiding security operations. The police stressed that such collaboration remains vital to sustaining peace and security in communities.
Residents of Oyo State were further assured of the Command’s resolve to maintain vigilance and intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, while encouraging citizens to promptly report suspicious activities through designated emergency channels.
