Operatives attached to the Federal Highway Patrol of the Oyo State Police Command, during a stop and search operation along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, arrested a suspected armed robber in possession of a pistol. 

The spokesperson for the command, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Thursday, said the suspect singled out from the Mazda commercial bus stopped by the operatives confessed to having two other accomplices who were later arrested.

The statement read, “Operatives attached to the Federal Highway Patrol, acting on credible intelligence and supported by public cooperation, intercepted a Mazda commercial bus during a routine stop-and-search operation along the expressway. 

“During the course of the operation, one of the occupants, Imoleayo Ibrahim ‘M,’ was singled out for a search. The search led to the discovery and recovery of a locally fabricated pistol concealed on his person, which was immediately taken into police custody, resulting in his prompt arrest.

“Subsequent interrogation of the suspect revealed that the recovered firearm was intended for use in robbery operations along the expressway. He further confessed to working in concert with two accomplices—identified as Ibrahim Najeem ‘M’ and Olamilekan ‘M’—who specialize in the coordination and execution of such criminal activities. 

“Acting swiftly on this confession, the operatives intensified their efforts and successfully tracked down and apprehended the named accomplices, who are now in police custody.”

The command stated that the suspects were undergoing further investigation and efforts ongoing to unravel the full extent of the criminal network.

It noted that those connected to their activities were brought to justice in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, commended the diligence, professionalism, and prompt response of the operatives involved in the operation.

He also acknowledged the role of law-abiding citizens whose cooperation and credible information continue to strengthen policing outcomes.

The CP encouraged residents to sustain the collaboration, adding thatthe synergy between the police and the community remains indispensable to preventing crime, building trust, and ensuring a safer environment for all.