Oyo Police Tighten Highway Security, Arrest Suspect With Pistol And Live Cartridge

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber after recovering a locally made pistol and a live cartridge during a stop-and-search operation along the Ibadan-Ife Road.

The operation was carried out by officers of the Command’s Safer Highway Patrol on Thursday at about 5:30 p.m. near Ajia Junction following credible intelligence.

Police said a white Mazda bus travelling from Ibadan to Ondo State was intercepted and searched as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security on major highways.

During the operation, one of the passengers, identified as Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh, was allegedly found with a locally made pistol and one live cartridge.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Sanusi Afeez Adedamola, was also questioned during the operation before the suspect was taken into custody.

The recovered firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits, while investigations into the case commenced immediately.

Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, has directed that the case be transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for a thorough investigation.

The command said detectives would work to identify and arrest other suspected members of the criminal gang before the case is charged to court.

Explaining the importance of the operation, the police said, “The development underscores the importance of sustained stop-and-search operations as a critical component of the Command’s preventive policing strategy, particularly along major highways and other identified routes.”

It added, “When conducted professionally and intelligence-led, such operations help detect and remove firearms and other prohibited items from circulation, disrupt the movement of criminal elements and generate actionable intelligence for broader crime-prevention efforts.”

The command reassured residents and travellers that it remains committed to protecting lives and property across Oyo State.

According to the police, “The Oyo State Police Command reassures members of the public, particularly commuters and residents along major highways, of its continued commitment to their safety and security. The Command will sustain proactive patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and other strategic measures to prevent crime and maintain public safety across the State.”

The police also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information that will assist security agencies in tackling crime.