Police nab three suspected car thieves in Oyo, seize guns

The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspected armed robbers linked to a vehicle-snatching gang operating in Ibadan and nearby areas. This happened during an operation based on reliable tips from the public.

The police shared this news in a statement on their official X account on Tuesday. They said the suspects were caught after police got good intelligence on June 20 about a group stealing luxury cars from unsuspecting people.

The report indicated that the gang was planning to gather in the Olorunsogo area of Ibadan for planned robbery operations in and outside the state capital.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, directed the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to act on this information and arrest the suspects involved.

The operation led to the capture of three suspects: Akinpelu Afeez, 39, known as "Starboy"; Taiwo Adams, 45, who goes by "Adamson"; and Salawudeen Taofeeq, 35, called "T.K."

During questioning, the suspects confessed to taking part in several car thefts around Ibadan. They also admitted to using locally made guns for their criminal activities.

After the confessions, detectives got a search warrant to check the suspects' hideout in the Aremo area of Ibadan. During the search, police found two locally made single-barrel guns and six live cartridges hidden on the property.

The police said investigations are still ongoing to find other members of the gang and break up their criminal operations. They are also looking into those who buy stolen cars and other illegal items.

"Investigation is ongoing to catch other members of the criminal gang, dismantle their network, and identify and arrest those who receive and buy stolen vehicles and other proceeds of crime," the statement said.

The police reassured the public of their commitment to fighting crime. They said efforts would keep targeting violent criminals and their partners throughout the state.

"The Commissioner of Police assures Oyo State residents of the Command's strong commitment to fighting violent crimes and breaking down criminal networks in the state," the statement read.

The police also asked the public to stay alert and share useful information that could help fight crime.

"He further urges the public to remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with timely, credible, and actionable information that will aid ongoing crime-fighting efforts," the statement said.

The police emphasized their dedication to making sure that "Oyo State remains unsafe for criminals and secure for all law-abiding citizens."