Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have nabbed one of the suspected highway robbers who had blocked the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway at Egbeda village to dispossess the driver of a diesel-loaded tanker and his motor boys of their belongings.

Spokesperson for the command, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Monday, identified the suspect as 32-year-old Dere Yahaya and assured that a bush-combing operation is underway to arrest the others.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that a joint patrol team comprising police operatives and local vigilantes encountered armed robbers at Egbeda village via Ogbomoso. The hoodlums had blocked the highway and stopped a tanker loaded with diesel, driven by Surajudeen Sulaiman.

“The robbers forcibly dispossessed the tanker driver and his motor boys of their belongings. A gun duel ensued between the fleeing hoodlums and the police patrol team, during which one of the suspects, later identified as Dere Yahaya, aged 32, was apprehended.

“Other members of the gang escaped into the bush, sustaining bullet wounds. Following the incident, the police and vigilante team embarked on intensive bush combing and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects,” the police said.

The state commissioner of police, Femi Haruna, appreciated the quick response of the operatives and local security partners.

Mr Haruna said the operation underscores the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and safeguarding lives and property along major highways in the state.

He encouraged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly, and continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure a safer environment for all.