The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during a routine stop-and-search operation in Ibadan.
The arrests were made on Tuesday by operatives of the Operations Department, according to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka.
The suspects were identified as Abdulrahman Rasheed, 19; Biodun Fatai, 18; and Muiz Salawudeen, 18. They were intercepted while riding an unregistered tricycle, popularly known as Keke Maruwa.
A search of the tricycle led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel gun that had been modified into a short arm for easy concealment.
Police said the suspects, during interrogation, confessed to their involvement in several armed robbery incidents across Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State. The offences reportedly included snatching mobile phones and motorcycles, as well as dispossessing residents of valuables at gunpoint.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo Police Command, CP Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for further investigation.
The commissioner commended the vigilance and professionalism of its operatives and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
The suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with investigators. Police said they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Oyo State Police Command also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and support, while urging members of the public to continue cooperating with security agencies to enhance public safety.
