The police command in Oyo state has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered a locally fabricated pistol and other dangerous exhibits during an intelligence-led operation in Ibadan.

The command’s spokesman, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Ayanlade said the suspects were arrested by operatives of the Oluyole Divisional Headquarters while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation around the Rhema Bridge axis of Oluyole, Ibadan, on Monday around 12:30 p.m.

“During the operation, the officers intercepted a Bajaj motorcycle conveying three suspicious individuals, leading to their arrest.

“A thorough search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a cut-to-size locally fabricated pistol and an axe concealed inside a black school bag in their possession.

“The suspects were immediately taken into custody, while the exhibits were recovered for further investigation,” the police said.

Mr Ayanlade said that a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are members of the Aiye and Eiye cult groups, respectively. He said that the command had intensified investigations to establish the full extent of their involvement in armed robbery, cult-related activities, and other criminal offences.

The command’s spokesman added that efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of their criminal network.

“The CP reiterates the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led policing, robust visibility patrols, and strategic stop-and-search operations aimed at denying criminal elements the opportunity to operate within the state,” he said.

(NAN)