Police nab suspected cattle rustlers, armed robbers in Oyo

By Oluseye Ojo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cattle rustlers, Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello.

They were apprehended following a swift response to a report received at Iresadu Divisional Police Headquarters.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the command, Ayanlade Olayinka, who confirmed the incident, said the operation underscored the effectiveness of proactive policing, intelligence-led investigations and collaboration with community security agencies in tackling criminal activities.

He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were attempting to conceal stolen cattle when they were intercepted at Odojaye via Aganyan, Iresadu.

“During the operation, 26 stolen cows, estimated at ₦6,250,000, were successfully recovered, reflecting the tangible results of coordinated police and community efforts in protecting property and livelihoods.

“Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover the remaining stolen livestock, demonstrating the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators are brought to justice.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the theft and provided details of the criminal network.”

The Oyo State Police Command also announced that its Operations Department, during a routine stop-and-search exercise, successfully intercepted and apprehended three suspected armed robbers within the Ibadan metropolis.

“This operation is part of the command’s proactive policing strategies, which include roadblocks and stop-and-search measures, designed to deter criminal activities, prevent armed robbery and ensure the safety of residents across Oyo State.

“During the operation, the operatives intercepted an unregistered tricycle, popularly known in local parlance as ‘Keke Maruwa’, carrying two passengers, with the rider making it three occupants.

“A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, modified into a short arm suitable for concealment.

“The immediate apprehension of the occupants was a direct result of the vigilance of the operatives and the effectiveness of the stop-and-search strategy.”

The suspects were identified as Abdulrahman Rasheed, 19; Biodun Fatai, 18; and Muiz Salawudeen, 18.

“Following their arrest, and recognising the need for discreet investigation, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, directed that the suspects and the recovered firearm be handed over to the Command Monitoring Unit.

“This ensured that the investigation would be thorough, professional, and intelligence-driven, building on the initial success recorded during the stop-and-search operation.

“During interrogation by the Monitoring Unit, the suspects confessed to having been involved in several cases of armed robbery in Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.

“They further admitted to specialising in the snatching of mobile phones and motorcycles, as well as dispossessing residents of their valuables at gunpoint.

“The suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with the ongoing investigation, after which they will be charged to court accordingly.”