The Oyo State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate in Ibadan, recovering a locally made pistol and seven live cartridges during an intelligence-led operation.
The suspects, identified as Ijo Lekan, 28, Abdulateef Ishola, 26, Idowu Rasheed, 19, Azeez Olalekan, 23, and Seun Adeniran, 24, were arrested at Oke Labo area of Ibadan on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to the police, detectives attached to the Mapo Divisional Headquarters carried out the operation following credible intelligence about the activities of the suspected criminal group.
The statement explained that the operation was conducted at approximately 11:16 a.m. when the detectives moved to the identified location and searched a building in the Oke Labo area.
The search subsequently led to the arrest of the five suspects and the recovery of one locally made pistol and seven live cartridges.
The police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly belonged to an armed robbery syndicate involved in several violent attacks and other criminal activities within Ibadan.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the alleged syndicate and admitted participating in various attacks across the city.
The command further disclosed that the suspects were cooperating with investigators by providing useful information that could assist in identifying and apprehending other members of the group.
It said efforts were ongoing to track down other individuals believed to be connected with the alleged criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the case to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in criminal activities.
The police commissioner also directed investigators to identify other members of the syndicate and ensure that everyone connected with the alleged crimes is brought to justice.
The command reiterated its commitment to combating armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state through intelligence gathering and proactive policing.
Residents were also encouraged to provide credible information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to maintain peace and protect lives and property.
The suspects remain under investigation as the police work to uncover possible links to other criminal incidents in Ibadan.
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