Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command attached to the Safer Highway Patrol have arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a locally made pistol and a live cartridge during an intelligence-led stop-and-search operation along the Ibadan-Ife Road.
The operation was conducted on Thursday, September 25, 2026, at about 5:30 p.m. near Ajia Junction.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operatives intercepted a white-coloured Mazda bus travelling from Ibadan towards Ondo State during the operation.
The vehicle was driven by one Sanusi Afeez Adedamola, male, of Owena.
The statement said a search of the vehicle led to the arrest of the passengers, identified as Emmanuel Kingsley Odoh, male, for allegedly being in unlawful possession of a locally made pistol and a live cartridge.
The recovered firearm and ammunition were immediately secured as exhibits, while the suspect was taken into custody for further investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed that the case be transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) for discreet investigation.
The police said the investigation would include efforts to identify and arrest other members of the suspected criminal syndicate and prosecute them upon its conclusion.
The Command described sustained stop-and-search operations as an important component of its preventive policing strategy, particularly along major highways and other identified routes.
It said professionally conducted and intelligence-led operations could help detect and remove firearms and other prohibited items from circulation, disrupt the movement of suspected criminal elements and generate actionable intelligence for broader crime-prevention efforts.
The Command assured commuters and residents along major highways of its continued commitment to their safety and security.
It said it would sustain proactive patrols, intelligence-led stop-and-search operations and other strategic measures aimed at preventing crime and maintaining public safety across the state.
The police also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and actionable information to security agencies.
