The police command in Oyo state said it has arrested two suspected armed robbers and recovered a firearm linked to a robbery along the Oyo-Iwo Expressway in Afijio.

In a statement on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the robbery occurred in the early hours of Sunday and was reported to the Police Control Room in Eleyele, Ibadan.

The statement said, “The Oyo state police command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the state of violent criminals with the arrest of two suspected armed robbers and the recovery of a firearm linked to a robbery operation along the Oyo-Iwo Expressway.”

Mr Olayinka said a complainant reported that a gang of armed robbers barricaded the Oyo-Iwo Expressway near Akoda village, attacked travellers and stole some valuables.

He added that some motorists and passengers sustained machete injuries during the attack.

The spokesman said the police commissioner, Abimbola Olugbenga, directed operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit to move to the scene, leading to the rescue of the victims and the recovery of a single-barrel gun and two clubs.

Mr Olayinka stated, “Intelligence-driven investigation led VCRU operatives to the suspects’ hideouts, culminating in the arrest of Abubakar Jape and Sheu Dengi. During interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the robbery operation.

“An identification parade was subsequently conducted, during which the victims positively identified the suspects as some of the armed robbers who attacked and robbed them. A search conducted at one of their hideouts also led to the recovery of a rechargeable touchlight belonging to one of the victims.”

The police commissioner assured residents of the state that efforts were underway to apprehend fleeing gang members.