Oyo state Police Command has paraded no fewer than 38 crime suspects allegedly involved in various degrees of criminal activities at various locations few days to new year.
The suspects were paraded at the State Police Command, Eleyele, Ibadan on Friday, December 29, 2023.
According to the Police, Two hundred and seven (207) armed robbery suspects were arrested, Fifty (50) stolen vehicles and Forty-six (46) Motorcycles/tricycles were recovered since January till date while One hundred and eight (108) Firearms and Seven hundred and twenty-one (721) rounds of various caliber of ammunition were retrieved from the possession of criminals.
Some of the suspects who spoke to newsmen admitted to the crimes but pleaded for clemency.
The suspects were allegedly involved in criminal activities including armed robbery, kidnapping, and land grabbing.
Items recovered include six cars, English (pump action and revolver rifles, locally made guns, six mobile phones, one power generator, two motorcycles, nine firearms, 60 ammunition, local charms, and three cutlasses.
The Oyo state Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), SP Adewale Osifeso, who spoke to journalists on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat, said the suspects were picked up at their various hideouts sequel to credible intelligence received at the state command.
Earlier, the Oyo state police command has toured some pars of the ancient city ahead of the new year celebration to create security awareness.
The police convoy took off from the state police command in Eleyele and moved through Challenge enroute Lagos Ibadan Toll Gate, then back through Molete, Oke-Ado axis, Aleshinloye via G-Allen and terminate at the state command.
A chairman of one of the garages visited under Oyo Park Management System (PMS) at Challenge, Mr Mayowa Famuyide, told journalists that the relationship between PMS and the police has been cordial and impressive, this improved the security and safety of commuters in and outside of Ibadan, the state capital.
“As we gradually come to the end of the year 2023, the CP has 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 Oyo State particularly at all critical infrastructures, recreational facilities, Media Houses, Banks, Correctional centers, Public Spaces, Places of Worship and all adjoining highways and routes within and outside Oyo State.
“Similarly, the CP has directed that all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders should increase layers of supervision around their subordinates particularly men on the field who daily interfaces with commuters and other civilian population while the Command’s Monitoring and X-squad units have 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.
“In furtherance of the above, the Oyo State Police Command is pleased to inform residents that within the past five (5) months, 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.
“Within January 1st to this day, Two hundred and seven (207) armed robbery suspects were arrested, Fifty (50) stolen vehicles and Forty-six (46) Motorcycles/tricycles were recovered while One hundred and eight (108) Firearms and Seven hundred and twenty-one (721) rounds of various caliber of ammunition were retrieved from the possession of criminals.” Osifeso said.
The Commissioner of Police however, assured residents to go about their lawful duties and also enjoy the Yuletide season without tolerating any form of fear.
