Police Nab Suspected Kidnappers, Ritualists, Recover 497 Bags Of FG Maize, Cars, Motorbike, Pumping Action Rifle, Others In Oyo
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Oyo State Police Command has recorded a series of breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on crime, including the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, ritualists and vehicle thieves, as well as the recovery of 497 bags of maize meant for a Federal Government intervention programme.
The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, disclosed this on Thursday during his maiden press briefing at the Command Headquarters, Eleyele, Ibadan, where he detailed multiple operations carried out by the Command Monitoring Unit and other tactical teams.
Olugbenga said the successes were achieved through intelligence-led policing and public collaboration, adding that the Command remained committed to protecting lives and property across the state.
“Since my assumption of office, the Command has remained resolute and proactive in confronting all forms of criminality through intelligence-led policing and strategic deployment of personnel,” he said.
The CP disclosed that operatives dismantled a syndicate specialising in stealing vehicles from where they were parked across Ibadan.
He said the arrest of one suspect led to the recovery of nine master ignition keys used in stealing vehicles.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of a receiver, from whom five stolen vehicles, including Toyota Camry, Corolla, Sienna and RAV4 models, were recovered,” he said, adding that investigations were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
In a separate operation, the police arrested suspected highway robbers following a stop-and-search operation in the Akobo area of Ibadan.
Olugbenga said one suspect was initially arrested with a pump-action gun, cartridges and other items, while subsequent operations led to the arrest of three other gang members.
“The suspects confessed to a series of armed robbery operations within Ibadan and its environs,” he said, noting that stolen vehicles were recovered and returned to their owners.
He added that another robbery syndicate operating across Oyo and neighbouring states was also dismantled, with arrests made in Ibadan and Osogbo, Osun State.
“Two locally made guns were recovered while the suspects were preparing for another operation,” he stated.
The CP further revealed that the Command arrested members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate responsible for multiple abductions in Oyo town and surrounding communities.
He said the gang abducted victims and demanded ransoms of up to N40m, with some victims eventually released after payments.
“Through sustained intelligence gathering, three members of the syndicate were arrested. They confessed to the crimes and admitted using AK-47 rifles,” he said, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest fleeing members.
Olugbenga also disclosed that suspected ritualists were arrested in Ibadan following credible intelligence.
“Items suspected to be human flesh, black pots and other ritual paraphernalia were recovered from the suspects,” he said.
The police boss said operatives foiled the diversion of a truck conveying maize under the Federal Government’s food security intervention programme.
“Three suspects were arrested in connection with the crime, and 497 bags of maize branded ‘Presidential Food Security Intervention’ were recovered at a hideout in Ibadan,” he said.
The CP disclosed that two suspects were arrested in the New Garage area of Ibadan while pushing a stolen motorcycle.
“The suspects confessed to stealing the motorcycle and revealed they had previously been convicted for similar offences,” he said.
He added that another suspected armed robber was arrested in Apata with a locally made firearm and cartridges during a stop-and-search operation.
In Ogbomoso, he said police operatives responded swiftly to a robbery attack on a commercial motorcyclist, leading to the arrest of two suspects and recovery of the stolen motorcycle.
Olugbenga also said a stolen Lexus ES350 was recovered in Ilora after armed robbers attacked a residence in the Ido area of Ibadan.
He added that another suspect linked to vehicle theft was arrested, leading to the recovery of additional stolen vehicles in Ondo State.
The CP said the exhibits recovered during the operations included five firearms, ammunition, multiple stolen vehicles and motorcycles, and other items linked to criminal activities.
He commended residents for their cooperation, noting that public support was critical to the Command’s success.
“These achievements would not have been possible without the timely and credible information provided by members of the public,” he said.
Olugbenga assured residents of sustained security operations across the state.
“We will continue to intensify our operations and ensure that all criminal elements are brought to justice. Residents should go about their lawful activities without fear,” he added.
He also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police and the Oyo State Government for their continued support in strengthening security architecture in the state.