The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a daring highway robbery operation along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway, arresting a suspected armed robber and recovering a tanker loaded with diesel.
The incident occurred at Egbeda Village via Ogbomoso when a joint patrol team of police operatives and local vigilantes confronted a gang of armed robbers who had blocked the highway to attack motorists.
The hoodlums, according to a release from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), DSP Ayanlade Olayinka had intercepted a diesel tanker driven by Surajudeen Sulaiman and forcefully dispossessed him and his motor boys of their belongings.
According to preliminary investigations, the robbers attempted to flee after sighting the patrol team, leading to a gun duel between the criminals and security operatives.
During the exchange, one of the suspects, identified as 32-year-old Dere Yahaya, was arrested while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
Following the encounter, security operatives launched an intensive bush combing operation and manhunt to track down the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, commended the bravery and swift response of the police officers and local vigilantes whose timely intervention foiled the robbery and prevented further harm to road users.
He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his continued support in strengthening highway patrol and community policing across the country.
The Police Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant, promptly report suspicious activities, and continue to cooperate with security agencies in ensuring safety across the state’s highways.
