The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a firearm following a robbery operation along the Oyo–Iwo Expressway in Afijio Local Government Area of the state.

The arrests, according to the Command, followed a swift response by operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) after a distress call alerted the Police Control Room in Eleyele, Ibadan, that a gang of armed robbers had barricaded the Oyo–Iwo Expressway around Akoda Village.

The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, immediately directed the VCRU operatives to move to the scene, where they rescued victims, secured the area and commenced a search of the crime scene.During the operation, the police recovered one single-barrel gun and two clubs believed to have been used by the robbery gang.

The Command disclosed that the hoodlums reportedly attacked motorists and passengers travelling from a nearby market towards Iwo Town, dispossessing them of their valuables. Some of the victims sustained machete injuries during the attack, while others were subjected to other forms of violence.

Further intelligence-led investigations by the VCRU subsequently led to the arrest of two suspects, identified as Abubakar Jape and Sheu Dengi, at their respective hideouts.
According to the police, the suspects confessed to participating in the robbery operation during interrogation.

The Command added that an identification parade was conducted, during which the victims positively identified the two suspects as members of the gang responsible for the attack.
A search of one of the suspects’ hideouts also led to the recovery of a rechargeable torch light belonging to one of the victims.

Commending the professionalism and prompt response of the VCRU operatives, the Commissioner of Police described the arrests as another demonstration of the Command’s resolve to combat violent crimes across Oyo State.He assured residents that efforts had been intensified to track down other members of the robbery gang who remain at large and ensure they are brought to justice.

The Commissioner also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely, credible and actionable information to the police, stressing that community partnership remains critical to sustaining peace and security across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Olayinka Ayanlade, who disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order throughout the state.