The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a highway robbery and arrested a suspected armed robber during a joint security operation along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway.
The state Conmand’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed this on Monday.
According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that a joint patrol team comprising police operatives and local vigilantes encountered a gang of armed robbers at Egbeda Village via Ogbomoso after the hoodlums reportedly blocked the highway and intercepted a diesel-laden tanker driven by Surajudeen Sulaiman.
The suspects allegedly dispossessed the driver and his motor boys of their belongings before engaging the patrol team in a gun duel. During the exchange, one of the suspects, identified as 32-year-old Dere Yahaya, was apprehended, while other members of the gang fled into the bush with suspected bullet wounds.
Police and vigilante operatives subsequently launched an intensive bush combing operation and manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Femi Haruna, commended the bravery and swift response of the operatives and local security partners involved in the operation. He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Dudu, for his continued support in strengthening highway and community policing across the country.
The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities, and continue to support security agencies in maintaining safety across the state.
