Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made pistol and a live cartridge during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Ibadan-Ife Road.

The arrest was made around Ajia Junction, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade.

Ayanlade said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Command’s Safer Highway Patrol as part of efforts to prevent crime through intelligence-led policing.

He said the operatives intercepted a white Mazda bus driven by Sanusi Afeez Adedamola, travelling from Ibadan towards Ondo State, and subjected the vehicle to a search.

During the search, one of the passengers, identified as Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh, was arrested after a locally made pistol and a live cartridge were allegedly found in his possession.

The police spokesperson said the recovered firearm and ammunition had been secured as exhibits, while the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.

He added that the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, had directed that the case be transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation.

According to him, the investigation would also focus on identifying and arresting other members of the suspected criminal syndicate before prosecution.

The Command said the development underscored the importance of sustained stop-and-search operations, particularly along major highways and other identified routes.

It said professionally conducted and intelligence-led operations could help detect and remove firearms and other prohibited items from circulation, disrupt the movement of suspected criminals and generate intelligence for wider crime-prevention efforts.

The Command assured commuters and residents along major highways of continued security patrols and intelligence-led operations across the state.

It also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide the police with timely and actionable information that could assist in preventing crime.