By Adeola Badru
The Oyo State Police Command, yesterday, arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered several stolen vehicles following an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan.
The suspects, identified as David Okhaie, 48, and Balogun Afolabi, 43, were apprehended by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit after credible intelligence triggered an intensive search across the Ibadan metropolis.
Police investigations revealed that both men are dismissed corporals of the Nigerian Army who allegedly posed as serving military officers to carry out armed robberies, particularly targeting motorists.
The suspects are accused of dispossessing victims of their vehicles at gunpoint, creating fear and disrupting public peace in parts of the state.
During the operation, officers recovered a black Toyota Camry (registration number KRD 253 KC), a metallic Toyota Corolla (JTA 938 AA), a silver Lexus RX 350 (unregistered), and a black Super Cargo motorcycle (YRE 487 VD).
The Oyo State Police Command called on members of the public who may have lost vehicles matching the recovered exhibits to report to the Command with valid proof of ownership for verification and possible recovery.
Police confirmed that the suspects have confessed to the crimes and are currently assisting investigators with information aimed at dismantling the wider criminal network and recovering additional stolen property.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to crime prevention.
“This successful operation underscores our resolve to protect lives and property through intelligence-driven policing. I commend the professionalism and gallantry displayed by the operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit,” CP Haruna said.
He also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, noting that his leadership has strengthened proactive policing across the country.
Haruna urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely, credible information.
“The cooperation of the public remains vital in our fight against crime. We assure residents that the Command will continue to respond decisively to criminal activities,” he said.
The state police command advised citizens to report emergencies through its toll-free response line or the Command’s control room numbers.
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