By OLATUNDE AJAYI

The Police Command in Oyo State has arrested a suspected armed robbery gang and recovered firearms and ammunition in Ibadan.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the arrest followed sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

Ayanlade said the command also aimed to ensure safety of lives and property across the state.

He said operatives acted on credible intelligence received on June 20 regarding a notorious armed robbery syndicate.

According to him, the syndicate specialised in snatching exotic vehicles from unsuspecting members of the public in Ibadan metropolis and environs.

Ayanlade said intelligence showed the suspects were converging around Olorunsogo, Ibadan, to launch operations within and outside the metropolis.

He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, directed the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to immediately arrest the suspects.

Ayanlade said operatives arrested three suspects aged 39, 45 and 35 in a swift operation.

He said the suspects confessed during interrogation to multiple vehicle-snatching operations across Ibadan metropolis.

Ayanlade said they also admitted to using locally fabricated firearms for their criminal activities.

He said a search warrant was executed at their hideout in the Aremo area of Ibadan following their confessions.

Ayanlade said detectives recovered two locally made cut-to-size single-barrel guns and six live cartridges during the operation.

He said investigation was ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and dismantle the criminal network.

Ayanlade said efforts were also ongoing to arrest receivers and buyers of stolen vehicles and proceeds of crime.

He assured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime and dismantling criminal networks in Oyo State.

Ayanlade urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to support police operations.

He said the command remained resolute in ensuring the state was hostile to criminals and safe for law-abiding citizens. (NAN)

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