The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in its fight against highway crime, arresting a suspected armed robber and foiling an attempted robbery along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway.
According to the Command, the incident occurred at Egbeda Village via Ogbomoso, where a joint patrol team comprising police operatives and local vigilantes encountered a group of armed robbers who had blocked the highway.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the hoodlums had intercepted a diesel-laden tanker driven by Surajudeen Sulaiman, forcefully dispossessing him and his motor boys of their belongings.
A gun duel reportedly ensued when the suspects attempted to flee on sighting the patrol team.
“One of the suspects, later identified as Dere Yahaya, aged 32, was apprehended during the exchange of fire, while other members of the gang escaped into the bush with gunshot wounds,” the Police said in a statement.
Following the encounter, security operatives launched a bush-combing operation and intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.
The Police noted that the operation highlights the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of commuters and protecting lives and property along major highways in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, commended the courage and swift response of the operatives and local vigilantes.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continued support in strengthening highway and community policing nationwide.
“The Command remains resolute in its mandate to rid our highways of criminal elements,” the Commissioner said, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
Members of the public were encouraged to report suspicious activities promptly through the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line, 615, or the Command’s control room numbers. #Securitynewsalert.com
