The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers and recovered a toy pistol during a routine patrol in Ibadan, as part of efforts to curb crime and boost public safety.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the suspects were apprehended at about 12:30 p.m. on April 6, 2026, by operatives from the Bodija Market Division.
The statement, made available to journalists on Tuesday, said the trio was intercepted along Awolowo Road in Bodija while riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number BDJ 386 QH.
The suspects were identified as Godwin Cletus, 26, who rode the motorcycle, alongside Adedokun Isah, 17, and Rafiu Usman, 19. All three are residents of the Gbaremu area of Ibadan.
“The interception was based on reasonable suspicion, which prompted a thorough search of the suspects and their belongings,” the statement said.
During the search, officers recovered a toy pistol concealed in a black bag, as well as six mobile phones found in their possession.
According to the police, the discovery heightened suspicion and led to their immediate arrest. Preliminary investigations, the Command said, point to their possible involvement in criminal activities.
The police further disclosed that the suspects confessed during interrogation to robbing unsuspecting members of the public of their valuables.
It added that the confessional statements have provided useful leads, aiding ongoing investigations to uncover the full extent of their operations and identify other members of the alleged criminal network.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, commended the operatives for their vigilance and professionalism.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police for sustained support and leadership, while urging residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
