Police arrest 153 suspected armed robbers in Oyo

The Oyo State Police Command on Friday said it had arrested 153 suspected armed robbers at various locations in the past six months in the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi disclosed this at a press briefing held at the command’s headquarters, Eleyele in Ibadan, the state capital.

He explained that the items recovered from them were 12 stolen vehicles of various brands and 12 motorcycles/tricycles.

Sonubi said, “The state police command is pleased to inform residents that within the past six months and 11 days, it has recorded significant successes in reducing crime rates across the state.

“This was attained through a combination of intelligence-led operations, community engagements and proactive policing.

“From June 16 to this day, 153 armed robbery suspects were arrested, 12 stolen vehicles and 12 motorcycles/tricycles were recovered while 48 firearms and 1,396 rounds of various calibre of ammunition were retrieved from the possession of criminals.”

The CP, who also paraded 36 suspects for various criminal offences, added that they were picked up at various locations in the 33 Local Government Areas of the state.

He stressed that their offences range from armed robbery to kidnapping, hijacking and diversion of trucks loaded with various items, and other vices.

Sonubi, therefore, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Department/formations and Tactical Commanders to deploy adequate personnel and resources across the state.

“As we gradually bid 2024 farewell, I have ordered that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Department/formations and Tactical Commanders deploy adequate personnel and resources throughout the length and breadth of the state, particularly at all critical infrastructures, recreational facilities, media houses, banks, correctional centres, public spaces, places of worship and all adjoining highways and routes within and outside the state.

“Similarly, I have directed that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to increase layers of supervision around their subordinates, particularly men on the field who daily interface with commuters and other civilian populations.

“The command’s monitoring and X-squad units have also been tasked to deal decisively with any officer whose actions or inactions bring about embarrassment to the command and by extension the police force, through extortion, incivilities and other professional misconducts,” Sonubi said.