The Oyo State Police Command has paraded 47 suspects involved in criminal activities, including kidnapping for ransom, murder, armed robbery, rape, and car theft.
The suspects were presented at a press briefing on Friday, October 25, at the police headquarters in Eleyele, Ibadan, where officials detailed the state’s recent crime-combating efforts.
Oyo State Police Commissioner, represented by Public Relations Officer SP Adewale Osifeso, revealed that ₦2.7 million believed to be ransom money was seized from two suspected kidnappers during operations. The police also recovered one AK-47 rifle, a locally-made pistol, a cut-to-size locally made cartridge, a MAC trailer, several vehicles, and a motorcycle, alongside 1,130 cartons of adhesive materials and other items.
Further items recovered include 170 bags of animal feed, one Mazda Premacy (registration number KKY593), a Toyota Hiace Bus, bundles of Ankara fabrics, a Samsung plasma television, two motorcycles, two refrigerators, a water dispenser, a Sharp home theatre system, a Hisense 55-inch smart television, a mud pot, and a live cartridge.
The Commissioner disclosed that the arrests were part of intelligence-led operations across the state. The apprehended suspects were involved in various crimes and were found with firearms, stolen goods, diverted items, and local charms.
According to CP Sonubi, the police are currently focused on evaluating and updating security strategies to address new and evolving threats. One highlighted case involved a herder camp at Sepeteri, where suspected armed robbers and kidnappers invaded on August 30, 2024, reportedly firing gunshots and abducting several people after stealing cash and valuables. The suspects then demanded a ₦50 million ransom from the victims’ families.
Swift response efforts involving police intelligence units and local vigilantes led to the arrest of two suspects, Faruq Usman and Aliu Babangida. Police recovered ₦2.76 million in ransom money from them, and both suspects confessed to multiple armed robbery and kidnapping operations across Oyo State.
The Police Commissioner assured the public of ongoing collaboration with security agencies and vigilante groups, urging residents to report suspicious activities to aid crime prevention. The Oyo State Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. Further investigation is ongoing, and updates will be communicated as they unfold.
