Suspected armed robbers and kidnappers have been arrested during stop-and-search operations at Ikoyi-Ile and Awolowo Road, Bodija, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The suspected armed robbers were arrested with a toy gun, while the kidnappers were caught with an AK-47 rifle.

Confirming the incidents in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the arrests further underscore the commitment of the police to protecting lives and property in the state.

He added that the suspected armed robbers were riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BDJ 386 QH at the time of their arrest.

The statement read: “On 6 April 2026, at about 1230 hours, operatives attached to Bodija Housing Division, while on routine stop-and-search duty along Awolowo Road, Bodija, intercepted a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BDJ 386 QH.

“The motorcycle was ridden by one Godwin Cletus ‘M’, aged 26, and conveyed two pillion passengers identified as Adedokun Isah ‘M’, aged 17, and Rafiu Usman ‘M’, aged 19, all residents of Gbaremu area, Ibadan.

“The interception, which was based on reasonable suspicion, led to a thorough search of the suspects and their belongings.

“In the course of the search, a toy pistol concealed in a black bag was recovered, alongside six different mobile phones found in their possession.

“This discovery heightened suspicion and provided reasonable grounds for their immediate arrest, as it suggested possible involvement in criminal activities.

“Subsequently, upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to engaging in the robbery of unsuspecting members of the public, dispossessing them of their valuables. Their confessional statements have since provided useful leads, thereby strengthening ongoing investigative efforts.

“Consequently, the suspects have been taken into custody, while a comprehensive investigation has commenced to determine the full extent of their criminal operations and to identify other possible accomplices within their network.”

In a related development, Ayanlade also confirmed the arrest of an additional suspect linked to a notorious kidnapping syndicate earlier apprehended in possession of an AK-47 rifle around Ikoyi-Ile.

“On 5 April 2026, at about 1650 hours, operatives attached to Ikoyi-Ile Division, acting on credible intelligence and sustained follow-up operations, successfully arrested one Taye Adamu ‘M’ at Iluju Village.

“The suspect is strongly believed to be a member of the same criminal syndicate whose members were arrested on 4 April 2026. This arrest is a direct outcome of ongoing intelligence-driven efforts aimed at tracking down all individuals connected to the criminal enterprise.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to his involvement in various kidnapping and other violent criminal activities within the aforementioned area, thereby providing useful leads to investigators. This confession further validates the Command’s earlier intelligence on the structure and operations of the syndicate.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has directed that the suspect be transferred to the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad for discreet and comprehensive investigation. In the same vein, efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and ensure they are brought to justice.” (TRIBUNE)