Police operatives in Oyo State have arrested six suspects following a coordinated operation that dismantled a suspected criminal network at Igbo-Awe Forest near Iboran Village, Ikoyi-Ile, in Orire Local Government Area.

The raid, conducted by officers from the Ikoyi-Ile Division in collaboration with other security agencies and local vigilantes, led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, four empty magazines, two mobile phones, a Nigerian Army jungle hat, a life jacket, and a pair of army uniforms.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer for Oyo State, CSP Adewale Osifeso, said the operation “disrupted a criminal network known for armed robbery, kidnapping, and violent offences that terrorised the community.”

He added that the recovered items showed the suspects’ “organised criminal intent and preparedness for chaos.”

Osifeso reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents, stressing that security operations would continue across vulnerable areas of the state.

“The Oyo State Police Command remains committed to combating such threats and ensuring residents live free from fear,” he said.

The police appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movement or activities through the Command’s control room numbers or by dialling the toll-free emergency line 615.

Recall that a police officer attached to the Oyo State Police Command sustained serious injuries last Monday morning when armed men attacked a bank customer in Ibadan, the state capital.

The incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. along Secretariat Road in the Agodi area of Ibadan North Local Government.

According to the Command, the victim, who was travelling in a metallic grey Nissan Primera with registration number EPE 901 PS, was trailed from a commercial bank where he had made a cash withdrawal. The assailants intercepted the vehicle and forcibly took an undisclosed sum of money from the individual.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, said, “A bank depositor travelling in a metallic grey Nissan Primera with plate number EPE 901 PS was tracked and forcibly robbed of a substantial, yet-to-be-ascertained amount of cash.”

He added that a police officer on routine patrol was injured during an attempt to intervene. “Initial investigations indicate that an officer associated with the state police command sustained severe injuries during a confrontation that arose when his team on patrol engaged the suspects in a bid to thwart their further plans of causing chaos following the attack on the unsuspecting individual,” Osifeso stated.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the victim appeared unaware he was being followed. One witness, who declined to be named, said, “The unsuspecting victim was forcibly dispossessed of a substantial amount of money by the suspected gunmen. Also, a police officer who was on a routine patrol was severely injured during the raid.”

The injured officer is currently receiving treatment at a secure medical facility. No fatalities have been reported.

The police have appealed to members of the public to provide any information that could assist in identifying and apprehending the perpetrators.

“We assure the public that an extensive investigation is underway, and updates will be communicated as they become available,” the command said.