The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made pistol and live cartridge along the Ibadan-Ife Road. The arrest was made during a routine intelligence-led stop-and-search operation by the Safer Highway Patrol at around 5:30 p.m. on September 25, 2026, near Ajia Junction. The operation was part of efforts to prevent the movement of criminal elements and prohibited weapons along major highways.
According to the police, the operatives intercepted a white-colour Mazda bus travelling from Ibadan towards Ondo State and subjected the vehicle and its occupants to a search. The bus was driven by Sanusi Afeez Adedamola, of Owena. During the search, one of the passengers, Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh, was allegedly found in possession of a locally made pistol and a live cartridge.
The suspect was subsequently arrested, while the firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits for investigation. The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed that the case be transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation. The unit will investigate the circumstances surrounding the recovered firearm and identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal syndicate.
The police said the latest arrest stresses the role of intelligence-led stop-and-search operations in preventing crime, especially along major highways and other routes identified as vulnerable to criminal activities. Professionally conducted searches can help intercept firearms and other prohibited items, disrupt the movement of suspected criminals, and provide intelligence that could assist broader crime-prevention operations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command would sustain proactive patrols and intelligence-led stop-and-search operations across the state. The command aims to enhance security and prevent crime in the state. The arrest is a testament to the command's commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters and residents.
The Oyo State Police Command has reassured the public of its commitment to their safety, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime. The command's efforts to prevent crime and protect the public are ongoing, with a focus on intelligence-led operations and community engagement.
The arrest of the suspected robber and the recovery of the firearm and ammunition demonstrate the effectiveness of the police's stop-and-search operations. The command's proactive approach to crime prevention is expected to continue, with a focus on enhancing security and protecting the public.
Key points
- The Oyo State Police Command arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made pistol and live cartridge along the Ibadan-Ife Road during a stop-and-search operation.
- The police have directed that the case be transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation.
- The command will sustain proactive patrols and intelligence-led stop-and-search operations across the state to enhance security and prevent crime.
