The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a vehicle-snatching syndicate believed to be operating within Ibadan and surrounding areas.
According to a statement released by the command, the arrests followed intelligence reports received on June 20 regarding a group allegedly involved in stealing high-value vehicles from unsuspecting victims.
Security intelligence revealed that the suspects were planning to gather around the Olorunsogo area of Ibadan ahead of proposed robbery operations both within and outside the city. Acting on the information, the Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to launch an operation targeting the group.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Akinpelu Afeez, popularly known as “Starboy,” Taiwo Adams, also called “Adamson,” and Salawudeen Taofeeq, nicknamed “T.K.”
Police said the suspects allegedly confessed to participating in several vehicle-snatching incidents across Ibadan during interrogation. They also admitted to using locally fabricated firearms while carrying out their operations.
Following the confessions, investigators obtained a search warrant and conducted a raid on the suspects’ hideout in the Aremo area of Ibadan. During the operation, officers recovered two locally made single-barrel firearms and six live cartridges concealed within the premises.
The police noted that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network, including individuals involved in purchasing stolen vehicles and benefiting from the proceeds of crime.
The command reassured residents of its determination to combat violent crime and dismantle criminal groups operating across the state. It also urged members of the public to continue providing useful and timely information to support ongoing security operations.
Authorities maintained that efforts would continue to ensure Oyo State remains secure for law-abiding citizens while making the environment hostile to criminal activities.
