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From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made pistol and a live cartridge during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Ibadan–Ife Road.
The arrest was made on Friday, September 25, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m. around Ajia Junction by operatives of the Command’s Safer Highway Patrol.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, a white-coloured Mazda bus travelling from Ibadan towards Ondo State was intercepted and subjected to a search.
The bus was driven by Sanusi Afeez Adedamola, a male resident of Owena, while one of the passengers, identified as Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh, was arrested after a locally made pistol and a live cartridge were allegedly found in his possession.
The Police said the recovered firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits, while the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed that the case be transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation.
The unit is expected to work towards identifying and arresting other members of the suspected criminal syndicate, with prosecution to follow upon completion of the investigation.
The Command said the development underscored the importance of sustained stop-and-search operations, particularly along major highways and other identified routes.
It added that professionally conducted, intelligence-led operations would help detect and remove firearms and other prohibited items from circulation, disrupt the movement of suspected criminals and generate actionable intelligence for crime prevention.
The Police Command reassured commuters and residents along major highways of its continued commitment to their safety, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the Police.
For emergencies, members of the public can contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre on 615, or the Oyo State Police Command Control Room on 08081768614 or 07055495413.
