Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have apprehended three teenage suspects believed to be behind a series of armed robberies and motorcycle snatching incidents within the Ibadan metropolis.
The arrest was made on Thursday, January 22, 2026, during a routine stop-and-search operation conducted by the Command’s Operations Department.
The suspects were intercepted while travelling in an unregistered tricycle, commonly known as “Keke Maruwa.” Upon conducting a thorough search of the vehicle, police operatives discovered a locally fabricated single-barreled gun, which had been modified into a short arm for easy concealment.
The three suspects in custody have been identified as 19-year-old Abdulrahman Rasheed, 18-year-old Biodun Fatai, and 18-year-old Muiz Salawudeen.
Following the initial arrest, Commissioner of Police CP Femi Haruna ordered the case transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for a more discreet, intelligence-driven investigation.
During interrogation, the trio reportedly confessed to multiple armed robberies across Oyo State. They admitted to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles, as well as dispossessing residents of their valuables at gunpoint.
“The confessions of these suspects confirm the intelligence value of our proactive policing strategies,” a statement from the Command read. “It highlights the importance of stop-and-search measures in curbing violent crime.”
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged in court once the investigation is concluded. The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, noted that this operation reflects the synergy between frontline proactive measures and intelligence-led investigation.
He also extended appreciation to Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for his leadership in strengthening national policing efforts. The Oyo State Police Command has urged residents to continue cooperating with officers on the ground and to provide timely information to help sustain public safety.
Emergency Contacts Residents can reach the Oyo State Call Response Centre via the toll-free line 615, or contact the Oyo State Police Command Control Room at 08081768614 and 07055495413.
