Police Arrest 3 Suspects With Firearm Inside Tricycle In Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered a locally fabricated firearm during a routine stop-and-search operation within the Ibadan metropolis.

The Command said the arrest was carried out by operatives of the Operations Department as part of ongoing proactive policing strategies, including roadblocks and stop-and-search exercises aimed at preventing crime and ensuring public safety across the state.

The suspects were intercepted while travelling in an unregistered tricycle, popularly known as ‘Keke Marwa’ or ‘Keke NAPEP’.

The tricycle had three occupants- two passengers and the rider.

A thorough search of the tricycle led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrel gun, modified into a short firearm and concealed within the tricycle.

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

Following their arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, ordered that the suspects and the recovered firearm be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for discreet and comprehensive investigation.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in several armed robbery incidents within Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State.

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

Police authorities stated that the suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with investigators, adding that they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Command noted that the successful operation underscored the effectiveness of proactive policing and intelligence-driven investigations in combating violent crimes.

It reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property across Oyo State.

The Command also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his strategic leadership and continued support in strengthening proactive policing nationwide.

Members of the public were urged to continue cooperating with the Police by providing timely and credible information to enhance security and public safety.