The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended two suspected armed robbers and recovered multiple firearms following a highway interception along the Oyo/Ogbomoso expressway.

The arrest occurred, at approximately 10:48 a.m., when operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol stopped a gold-coloured Nissan Maxima with registration number FKJ 666 KA during a routine operation.

The occupants, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Dabban and Ndako Sulaimon, both residents of the Sabo Area in Sagamu, Ogun State, were immediately taken into custody.

A preliminary search of the vehicle yielded incriminating items, including a live cartridge, a cutlass, two jackknives, a pair of handcuffs, assorted fetish items, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and a Soul-Safe uniform.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the discovery of these items raised “further suspicion regarding the activities and intentions of the occupants.”

He said, following the initial arrest, the Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, ordered the case transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for an expanded investigation.

He noted that during subsequent interrogation by the VCRU, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in armed robbery and other violent crimes, adding that, investigators revealed that one of the suspects admitted to the unlawful possession of a pump-action rifle, which he claimed to have obtained from an individual residing in Iperu, Ogun State.

“Acting on this intelligence, police operatives extended their tracking efforts into neighboring Ogun State. The coordinated cross-border operation successfully led to the recovery of two additional pump-action rifles, three live cartridges, and one expended cartridge from locations linked to the suspect and the alleged arms supplier.

While the suspected firearms supplier managed to evade arrest and remains at large, Ayanlade stated that “concerted efforts have been intensified to apprehend all persons connected to the illegal possession and circulation of firearms.”

The Command however assured the public that the investigation is still ongoing to uncover the full extent of the criminal network.

“The authorities also reiterated their commitment to public safety, urging citizens to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious activities through the state’s emergency toll-free line, 615, or the police control room numbers.

The statement read, “The Oyo State Police Command has recorded another operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to combat violent crime and strengthen public safety across the state.

“In furtherance of these proactive crime prevention measures, operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol attached to the Oyo/Ogbomoso axis, on 15th June 2026 at approximately 10:48 a.m., intercepted a gold-coloured Nissan Maxima vehicle with registration number FKJ 666 KA during routine patrol operations.

“Consequently, two male suspects identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Dabban and Ndako Sulaimon, both residents of Sabo Area, Sagamu, Ogun State, were taken into custody and transferred for comprehensive investigation.

“A thorough search conducted on the intercepted vehicle led to the recovery of one live cartridge, one cutlass, two jackknives, one handcuff, assorted fetish items, dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, and one Soul-Safe uniform, thereby raising further suspicion regarding the activities and intentions of the occupants.

“Following these preliminary findings, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, directed that the matter be transferred to the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet and expanded investigation.

“During subsequent interrogation and intelligence-driven investigation conducted by the VCRU, the suspects made confessional statements linking them to armed robbery and other violent crimes. Further investigation also revealed that one of the suspects admitted to unlawful possession of a pump-action rifle reportedly obtained from an individual in Iperu, Ogun State.

“Acting swiftly on this intelligence, operatives extended the investigation to Ogun State, where coordinated operations led to the recovery of two pump-action rifles, three live cartridges, and one expended cartridge from locations associated with the suspect and the alleged supplier.

“While the suspected supplier remains at large, concerted efforts have been intensified to apprehend all persons connected to the illegal possession and circulation of firearms and to uncover any wider criminal network linked to the suspects.

“The Command wishes to assure members of the public that investigations remain ongoing to establish the full extent of criminal involvement and ensure that all persons found culpable are brought to justice in accordance with the law.

“The Oyo State Police Command reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges members of the public to continue supporting security agencies through the provision of credible and timely information.” (The Nation)

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