By OLATUNDE AJAYI

The Police Command in Oyo State has arrested five suspected armed robbers, and recovered firearms, ammunition and charms.

This is contained in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan.

Ayanlade said that the operational breakthrough was a result of the command’s sustained efforts to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of lives and property.

“On the June 12, 2026, at about 1:00p.m. operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence and in furtherance of ongoing intelligence-led operations against violent crimes, stormed the residence of one Surajudeen Babatunde-Adio, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju”, located at Gbeku Area, Olodo, Ibadan.

“During the operation, five suspected members of a criminal syndicate were apprehended.

“The suspects include Ahmed Nafiu, male, 43 years; Olukunmi Olaniyi, male, 36 years; Femi Odeyinde, male, 53 years; Jelili Akinade, male, 50 years; and Muhideen Adio, male, 27 years.

“A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of the following exhibits, which include one pump-action gun; one single-barrel cut-to-size gun; eight live cartridges.

“Other exhibits recovered include one native bullet-proof vest; two bottles of suspected charm-induced syrup; and assorted charms and other incriminating items.

“The suspects are currently in Police custody while discreet investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of their involvement in criminal activities and to apprehend other members of the syndicate who may still be at large,” he said.

Alayande further reiterated CP Abimbola Olugbenga’s unwavering commitment to combating armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

He assured residents that intelligence-led operations and targeted raids of identified criminal hideouts would continue until all criminal elements are brought to justice.

The command’s spokesman urged members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, assuring that all information received would be treated with utmost confidentiality.(NAN)