Two suspected armed robbers have been arrested by operatives of the Oyo State Police Command and a firearm was recovered from them in Akoda Village, Afijio Local Government Area.
The state PPRO, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, stated this in a release on Tuesday, describing the feat as “another significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the state of violent criminals.”
How the suspected armed robbers were arrested
The arrest of two suspected armed robbers and the recovery of a firearm was linked to a robbery operation along the Oyo–Iwo Expressway.
As stated in the release, the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 5 July, 2026, following a distress call received at the Police Control Room, Eleyele, Ibadan.
It was reported that a gang of armed robbers had barricaded the Oyo–Iwo Expressway around Akoda Village in Afijio Local Government Area.
“The hoodlums reportedly attacked motorists and passengers travelling from a nearby market towards Iwo Town, dispossessing them of their valuables.
“Some victims sustained machete injuries during the attack, while others were subjected to other violent acts,” it was added.
Upon receipt of the distress information, the state Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to move to the scene.
“The operatives responded swiftly, secured the area, rescued the victims, and combed the scene, leading to the recovery of one single-barrel gun and two clubs believed to have been used by the criminal gang during the operation.
“Further intelligence-driven investigation led the VCRU operatives to the hideouts of the suspects, culminating in the arrest of Abubakar Jape and Sheu Dengi.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the robbery operation.
“An identification parade was subsequently conducted, during which the victims positively identified them as some of the armed robbers who attacked and robbed them.
“A search conducted at one of their hideouts also led to the recovery of a rechargeable touchlight belonging to one of the victims,” it was added.
The Commissioner of Police commended the professionalism, courage, and prompt response of the VCRU operatives.
He described the feat as another testament to the Command’s unwavering resolve to combat violent crimes across Oyo State.
He further assured residents that efforts were being intensified to apprehend other members of the criminal gang who remain at large and ensure they are brought to justice.
The state Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely, credible, and actionable information to the Police.
It noted that community partnership remained critical to sustaining the prevailing peace and security across the state.
The state Police Command had, last week, recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested three suspected for alleged vehicle theft and receiving stolen property.
The feat followed a report lodged at the Agodi Divisional Police Headquarters on 3 July, 2026, at about 4:00 p.m., by one Mr. Ruben Adebayo, a 55-year-old resident of Akobo, Ibadan.
He had reported that his Toyota Carina E, bearing registration number GGE 488 CN, had been fraudulently stolen by a passenger he had conveyed from Akobo to the Motor Spare Parts Market, Gate, Ibadan.
As stated in a release by the PPRO, preliminary investigation into the complaint revealed that the principal suspect, Femi Ojo (60), engaged the complainant under the guise of purchasing a vehicular engine and other spare parts.
It was stated further: “Upon arrival at the market, the suspect inspected various engine options and negotiated prices with traders.
“While negotiations for the engine proved unsuccessful, he purchased a vehicle shaft and thereafter informed the complainant that he had identified another location where a suitable engine could be obtained.
“He subsequently boarded a commercial motorcycle to the new location, directing the complainant to remain at the market with the purchased vehicle shaft pending further instructions.
“In furtherance of the criminal scheme, the suspect later telephoned the complainant and requested that he deliver the purchased vehicle shaft to the new location through a commercial motorcycle rider, explaining that doing so would be faster and more convenient.
“Trusting the suspect’s explanation, the complainant securely parked and locked his vehicle before proceeding with the assignment.
“Unknown to him, the suspect had strategically positioned an accomplice, who is currently at large, at the Motor Spare Parts Market to steal the vehicle during his absence.
“Upon arriving at the designated location, the complainant discovered that the suspect had disappeared without a trace. He immediately returned to where he had parked his vehicle, only to find that the vehicle had been stolen.”
Police detectives, upon receipt of the report and armed with the facts, immediately commenced an intelligence-led investigation.
Deploying both technical and operational resources, the police operatives were able to arrest the principal suspect, Femi Ojo, in Akure, Ondo State.
“The investigation further revealed that Femi Ojo, acting in concert with his fleeing accomplice, sold the stolen vehicle for the sum of ₦700,000 to Kayode Afolabi (49) who subsequently resold it for ₦800,000 to Olatunji Mutiu (49).
“Building on this breakthrough, investigators extended the operation, leading to the arrest of Kayode Afolabi and Olatunji Mutiu, as well as the recovery of the stolen vehicle at the Motor Spare Parts Market, Oyarugbulem, Akure.
“Further examination revealed that, in a calculated attempt to conceal the vehicle’s identity, its original Oyo State commercial colour had been changed to green.
“Additionally, the latest receiver had commenced cannibalising the vehicle by removing its engine and gearbox.
“The removed components were also recovered, while the vehicle has since been towed to a secure police facility, pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Consequent upon the outcome of the investigation, the principal suspect, Femi Ojo, alongside the two suspected receivers, Kayode Afolabi and Olatunji Mutiu, confessed to their respective roles in the commission of the crime,” the Oyo Police image-maker had stated in a release.
He had also assured that the three suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, as efforts were being intensified to apprehend the fleeing accomplice and dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network.
