The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two dismissed soldiers allegedly involved in a string of armed robbery attacks across Ibadan, recovering several stolen vehicles in the process.
The suspects, identified as David Okhaie, 48, and Balogun Afolabi, 43, were apprehended on Wednesday by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit following an intelligence-led operation that culminated in an intensive manhunt within the Ibadan metropolis.
Police investigations revealed that the duo are former corporals of the Nigerian Army who were dismissed from service. They allegedly posed as serving military officers to intimidate and rob unsuspecting motorists at gunpoint, thereby instilling fear and disrupting public peace in parts of Oyo State.
Items recovered from the suspects include a black Toyota Camry with registration number KRD 253 KC, a metallic Toyota Corolla (JTA 938 AA), a silver Lexus RX 350 without registration, and a black Super Cargo motorcycle with registration number YRE 487 VD.
The Police Command has urged members of the public who may have lost vehicles matching the recovered exhibits to report to the Command headquarters with valid proof of ownership for identification and possible recovery.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, commended the officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and crime prevention across the state.
