By Our Correspondent

National News – Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State have arrested three suspected armed robbers during a stop-and-search operation in the General Gas area of Akobo, located in Lagelu Local Government Area of Ibadan.

The operation led to the recovery of several stolen valuables, multiple mobile phones, and a firearm believed to have been used in recent robbery attacks across the region.

Police authorities confirmed that the suspects — Abiodun Michael, Olaoluwa Pamole, and Ahmed Ismail — were apprehended following a coordinated patrol by officers attached to the Akobo Division.

Another suspect identified simply as Lamidi reportedly escaped during the operation and is currently being tracked by security operatives.

According to the Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, officers first intercepted a motorcyclist behaving suspiciously during routine patrol around the General Gas area.

The rider attempted to flee upon sighting the police but was swiftly chased and arrested.

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to participating in several armed robbery incidents around the Toll Gate and Egbeda areas of Ibadan alongside his accomplices.

Acting on the intelligence obtained from the initial arrest, a joint police team from the Command Monitoring Unit and the Akobo Divisional headquarters traced the suspects to a meeting point at Access Hotel in the Sawmill area of Onipepeye along Iwo Road.

Two additional suspects were arrested at the location while Lamidi reportedly escaped moments before the police arrived.

Security operatives recovered a Magnum pump-action gun loaded with six live cartridges during the raid.

Other recovered items included multiple smartphones such as iPhone models, Tecno devices, Redmi phones, a Samsung Galaxy device, wristwatches, a Wi-Fi router, power bank, and cash totaling ₦130,000.

Police investigations also revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in the snatching of a Honda vehicle in Abeokuta.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, has directed that the case be transferred to the Command Monitoring Unit for further investigation and prosecution.

The police command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

Authorities assured the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and strengthen security across affected communities.