The Oyo State Police Command has foiled an armed robbery operation on the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Expressway, and arrested a suspect.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the command’ spokesperson disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan on Monday.
Olayinka said that a joint patrol team, comprising of Police operatives and local vigilantes, intercepted the armed robbers at Egbeda Village near Ogbomoso.
“The suspected armed robbers had blocked the highway and stopped a tanker loaded with diesel, driven by one Surajudeen Sulaiman, and forcefully dispossessed him and his motor boys of their belongings,
“A gun duel later ensued between the fleeing hoodlums and the Police patrol team, which enabled one of the suspects, aged 32, to be apprehended,
“Other members of the gang escaped into the bush, sustaining bullet wounds.
“Following the incident, the Police and vigilante team embarked on intensive bush combing and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects,” Olayinka said.
He said that the success of the operation underscored the command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and safeguarding lives and property on major highways in Oyo State.
“The Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Femi Haruna, has expressed his appreciation for the bravery and quick response of the operatives and local security partners during the operation.
“I also thank the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Olatunji Disu, for his continuous guidance and support in strengthening highway and community policing across the nation.” Olayinka quoted the CP as saying.
