The Oyo State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of an armed robbery syndicate in Ibadan and recovered a locally made pistol and seven live cartridges during an intelligence-led operation.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during a raid on a building in the Oke Labo area of Ibadan, following intelligence received by detectives attached to the Mapo Divisional Police Headquarters.
Key Highlights
- Oyo Police arrested five suspected armed robbers in the Oke Labo area of Ibadan.
- A locally made pistol and seven live cartridges were recovered during the operation.
- Police said the suspects allegedly confessed to belonging to an armed robbery syndicate.
- Other suspected members of the group reportedly escaped and remain at large.
- The Commissioner of Police has ordered a comprehensive investigation to identify and arrest other suspects.
The arrested suspects were identified as Ijo Lekan, 28, Abdulateef Ishola, 26, Idowu Rasheed, 19, Azeez Olalekan, 23, and Seun Adeniran, 24.
How the Oke Labo Raid Was Carried Out
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation was conducted at about 11:16 a.m. after detectives received credible information about suspected criminal activities in the area.
The police said a search of the building led to the recovery of the locally made pistol and seven live cartridges. However, other suspects allegedly connected to the syndicate escaped and remain at large.
Suspects Allegedly Confess, Assist Investigation
The command added that the arrested suspects confessed during interrogation to being members of an armed robbery syndicate and allegedly admitted participating in several violent attacks and other criminal activities across Ibadan.
The suspects are reportedly cooperating with investigators by providing information that could lead to the identification and arrest of other members of the group, as well as the recovery of additional evidence.
CP Orders Manhunt for Fleeing Gang Members
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged criminal activities and track down other members of the syndicate.
The police said the investigation would also seek to ensure that everyone connected to the alleged crimes is brought to justice.
The command reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led policing and urged residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying criminal suspects and recovering illegal firearms.
It also provided emergency contact numbers for residents to report suspicious activities and security threats.
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