The Oyo State Police Command has arrested five suspected armed robbers and recovered firearms, ammunition and suspected criminal charms during a raid on a hideout in Ibadan.
The Command said the operation was part of its sustained intelligence-led efforts to combat violent crimes and enhance public safety across the state.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the suspects were apprehended during an operation carried out in the early hours of June 12, 2026, at Gbeku Area, Olodo, Ibadan.
The police said operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the residence of one Surajudeen Babatunde Adio, popularly known as “Surii Ilupeju,” where members of the suspected criminal syndicate were allegedly operating.
The suspects arrested were identified as Ahmed Nafiu, 43; Olukunmi Olaniyi, 36; Femi Odeyinde, 53; Jelili Akinade, 50; and Muhideen Adio, 27.
A search conducted at the premises led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one cut-to-size single-barrel gun, eight live cartridges, a native bullet-proof vest, two bottles of suspected charm-induced syrup, and assorted charms, among other items.
In addition to the recovered firearms and ammunition, further operations also led to the interception and recovery of several vehicles believed to be relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Additional Vehicles Recovered: One Mazda Bus, Registration Number FFE 08 XB, One Hummer Bus, Registration Number MUS 246 CK, One BAW Bus, Registration Number KTU 688 YG; One Toyota Bus; One Toyota Bus, Registration Number BDG 117 YK; One Toyota Bus, Registration Number BRS 842 TW; One Toyota Sienna, Registration Number LSD 68 CJ; One Ford Sharon, Registration Number FKJ 39 EW; One Toyota Sienna, Registration Number BDG 986 SA; One Toyota Previa; and One Nissan Cabstar.
Furthermore, the recovery exercise extended beyond vehicles and uncovered additional motorcycles and assorted items considered relevant to the investigation.
Additional Motorcycles and Other Items Recovered: One Suzuki Inazuma Power Bike; One Blue Honda Motorcycle (Scrap); One Red Honda Motorcycle (Scrap); One Bajaj Boxer Motorcycle (Scrap); and Large quantities of Accord Party hats, shirts and face caps.
The police said the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue to determine the extent of their involvement in criminal activities and to track down other members of the syndicate who may still be at large.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.
He assured residents that intelligence-driven operations and targeted raids on identified criminal hideouts would continue until criminal elements operating within the state are brought to justice.
The police commissioner also appealed to members of the public to support security agencies with timely and credible information, assuring that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality.
The Command maintained that collaboration between residents and security agencies remains crucial to sustaining ongoing efforts to improve security and safeguard lives and property across Oyo State.
