The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major operational breakthrough with the arrest of two notorious armed robbery suspects during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit following credible intelligence and an intensive manhunt aimed at curbing violent crimes and enhancing public safety across the state.
The suspects were identified as David Okhaie, 48, of the Ojoo area of Ibadan, and Balogun Afolabi, 43, of the Wakajaiye area, Ibadan. Police said both men are dismissed Corporals of the Nigerian Army. Okhaie allegedly paraded himself as an Army Captain, while investigations revealed that both suspects were previously discharged from service.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects specialised in dispossessing unsuspecting members of the public of their vehicles at gunpoint, thereby instilling fear and disrupting public peace within the state.
A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several exhibits, 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.
In view of the recoveries, the Oyo State Police Command has called on members of the public who may have lost their vehicles to armed robbery or theft, and whose vehicle descriptions match the recovered exhibits, to visit the Command with valid proof of ownership and means of identification for verification and possible reclamation.
Police further disclosed that both suspects have confessed to the crimes and are currently providing useful information to aid ongoing investigations, intending to arrest other members of the criminal syndicate and recover additional stolen property.
Commending the success of the operation, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, psc (+), praised the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his leadership, support, and emphasis on intelligence-led policing. He also lauded officers and men of the Command Monitoring Unit for their professionalism, diligence, and gallantry.
The Command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to the fight against crime and urged the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information.
For emergencies, residents are advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Center on the toll-free line 615, or the Command Control Room on 08081768614 and 07055495413.
