The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in armed robbery, land grabbing and other violent crimes in Ibadan, recovering firearms and ammunition during the operation.

According to the command, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Oyo Base, acted on credible intelligence received at about 2:45 a.m. on August 15, 2026, indicating that members of the syndicate had gathered at a hideout in Ibadan’s Soka area.

The operatives reportedly stormed the location and arrested a suspect identified as Arowolo Ademola Adeyemo, also known as “Demmy.”

Police said a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a fabricated English pistol, a long single-barrel gun, nine rounds of 9mm live ammunition and nine live cartridges.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in land grabbing, armed robbery and other violent crimes. The police said the confession had provided useful leads for identifying other members of the gang and determining their involvement in related criminal activities.

The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects, while Adeyemo would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives to intensify efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate and ensure they are brought to justice.

Police spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who disclosed the development in a statement on Sunday, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and urged residents to continue providing credible information to support crime-fighting efforts across the