Exhibits recovered from the suspect
Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made pistol with a live cartridge during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Ibadan-Ife Road.
The arrest was made by officers attached to the Command’s Safer Highway Patrol on September 25 at about 5:30 p.m. near Ajia Junction.
Police said the officers intercepted a white Mazda bus travelling from Ibadan to Ondo State during a routine security operation.
The vehicle, driven by Sanusi Afeez Adedamola, was searched based on intelligence gathered by the operatives.
During the search, one of the passengers, identified as Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh, was allegedly found in possession of a locally made pistol and one live cartridge.
The police immediately recovered the weapon and ammunition and took the suspect into custody for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for further investigation.
The command said the investigation is expected to lead to the arrest of other members of the suspected criminal syndicate before prosecution.
The police said the latest arrest highlights the importance of intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations in preventing crime across the state.
According to the command, “The development underscores the importance of sustained stop-and-search operations as a critical component of the Command’s preventive policing strategy, particularly along major highways and other identified routes.”
It added, “When conducted professionally and intelligence-led, such operations help detect and remove firearms and other prohibited items from circulation, disrupt the movement of criminal elements and generate actionable intelligence for broader crime-prevention efforts.”
The command assured residents and travellers that it would continue to strengthen patrols and other security operations across Oyo State.
It said, “The Oyo State Police Command reassures members of the public, particularly commuters and residents along major highways, of its continued commitment to their safety and security. The Command will sustain proactive patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and other strategic measures to prevent crime and maintain public safety across the State.”
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and useful information that will help security agencies tackle crime.
