Police Arrest Kidnappers, Robbers, Ritualists in Oyo Crackdown

…Recover vehicles, firearms, 497 bags of maize in major operations

The Oyo State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, with the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, ritualists, and other criminal elements across the state.

Speaking during his maiden press briefing at the Police Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, said the achievements were a result of intelligence-led policing and collaboration with the public.

He noted that since assuming office, the Command had intensified efforts to combat criminal activities through strategic deployment of personnel and improved intelligence gathering.

The police boss disclosed that several suspects involved in vehicle theft were arrested, including a syndicate member found with nine Toyota master keys used to steal cars within Ibadan metropolis, Five stolen vehicles were subsequently recovered from a suspected receiver.

In another operation, operatives arrested a suspected armed robber during a stop-and-search duty in Akobo, recovering a pump-action gun and ammunition.

While Further investigations led to the arrest of three additional gang members, while stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners.

Olugbenga also revealed that a notorious robbery syndicate operating across Oyo and neighbouring states was dismantled, with the arrest of its kingpin and other members in Ibadan and Osogbo, Osun State, two locally made firearms were recovered during the operation.

In Ogbomoso, police operatives arrested two suspects who allegedly attacked a commercial motorcyclist and dispossessed him of his motorcycle and valuables, the stolen motorcycle was recovered shortly after the incident.

The Command also confirmed the arrest of suspected ritualists in Ibadan, where items suspected to be human parts were recovered during a raid.

Similarly, three members of a kidnapping syndicate were apprehended in connection with multiple abductions in Oyo town, where victims were held for ransom running into millions of naira.

In a related development, police uncovered a syndicate involved in hijacking trucks conveying goods, recovering 497 bags of maize meant for the Federal Government’s Presidential Food Security Intervention at Akufo, Ido area of Ibadan.

Other arrests included suspected motorcycle thieves and an armed robbery suspect found with a locally made firearm in Apata area.

The Commissioner assured residents of the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against crime, urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information.

He also reaffirmed the Police’s dedication to protecting lives and property while upholding professionalism, human rights, and the rule of law.