The Oyo State police command has arrested  two suspected members of a criminal gang specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles from unsuspecting residents in Ibadan.

In a statement on Tuesday by Ayanlade Olayinka, the command’s spokesman, said the arrests followed credible intelligence, raiding a residence in the Onirerin–Mokola area of Ibadan.

The suspects were identified as Timilehin Idowu, 23, and Kudus Agoeo, 25. 

“Their apprehension represents a significant step in the command’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in street robbery and motorcycle snatching within the Ibadan metropolis and beyond,” he said.

He stressed that the suspects confessed to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles during interrogation. 

According to him, the suspects further disclosed that they operate as a three-man gang, using a motorcycle to carry out their criminal activities within the Ibadan metropolis and in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

“Beyond their operational methods, the suspects also provided useful information indicating that the gang’s activities extend across Oyo, Osun and Lagos states,” Mr Olayinka said.

He added that the suspects supplied information about other individuals connected to the criminal network, including those involved in the disposal of stolen items.

“Building on these disclosures, investigators are pursuing available leads to verify the information obtained, identify and apprehend other members of the gang, and recover stolen property,” he said.

The police said the suspects were cooperating with investigators, while investigations remained ongoing.

He added that the arrested suspects remained in police custody in connection with the investigation.