Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command Monitoring Unit have arrested two dismissed Nigerian Army personnel and two other suspects over alleged armed robbery in Ibadan.

The command said the arrests followed credible intelligence and an intensive manhunt that culminated in a coordinated, intelligence-led operation within the Ibadan metropolis.

The suspects were identified as David Okhaie, 48, of Ojoo area, Ibadan, a dismissed corporal of the Nigerian Army who allegedly paraded himself as an army captain, and Balogun Afolabi, 43, of Wakajaiye area, Ibadan, also a dismissed corporal. Two other suspects were arrested alongside them.

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects specialised in dispossessing unsuspecting members of the public of their vehicles at gunpoint, thereby instilling fear and disrupting public peace in the state.

A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of four vehicles and a motorcycle, including a black Toyota Camry with registration number KRD 253 KC; a metallic Toyota Corolla with registration number JTA 938 AA; a silver Lexus RX 350 without registration; and a black Super Cargo motorcycle with registration number YRE 487 VD.

The command has invited members of the public who may have lost vehicles to armed robbery or theft and whose vehicle descriptions match the recovered exhibits to visit the Oyo State Police Command with valid proof of ownership and identification for verification and possible recovery.

Police said the suspects have confessed to the crimes and are currently providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations, with efforts underway to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional stolen property.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, commended officers of the Monitoring Unit for their professionalism and diligence in executing the operation.

Haruna also appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his leadership and emphasis on intelligence-led policing.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating crime and urged residents to continue supporting the police by providing timely, credible information.