PRESS RELEASE OYO POLICE ARREST THREE SUSPECTS, RECOVER LOCALLY FABRICATED PISTOL DURING INTELLIGENCE-LED STOP-AND-SEARCH OPERATION As part of the Oyo State Police Command’s proactive policing strategy and sustained commitment to intelligence-led crime prevention operations across the State, operatives attached to the Restore Peace Unit have recorded another operational breakthrough with the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol and the arrest of three suspects. The incident occurred on 11th May, 2026, at about 0450hrs, when Police operatives conducting routine intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations along Old Oyo Road, by American International School, Bethel, Fiditi, intercepted a commercial bus with registration number yet unknown. Upon interception of the vehicle, all passengers onboard alongside their respective luggage were subjected to thorough search procedures in line with standard operational protocols. During the exercise, the operatives observed suspicious conduct from three passengers who allegedly took to their heels immediately attention was focused on them and their luggage. Their action triggered a frantic chase by the Police operatives, leading to their eventual arrest. Subsequent search conducted on the luggage allegedly linked to the suspects led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol alongside assorted charms concealed inside a nylon bag. The arrested suspects were identified as Kilani Abbas, male, aged 31, of Onaara-Amoloko; Toheed Adediwura, male, aged 38, of Kolobo Area, Oyo; and Ibrahim Rafiu, male, aged 40, of Sanga Area, Oyo. The suspects are currently in Police custody while investigations have commenced to determine the source of the recovered firearm, its intended use, and possible connections to criminal activities. The Command notes that this recovery further underscores the critical importance of intelligence-led stop-and-search operations as an effective crime prevention strategy capable of intercepting dangerous weapons and criminal elements before they strike. The operation also highlights the indispensable role of vigilance, cooperation, and timely intelligence sharing between members of the public and security agencies in the collective fight against crime and criminality. The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, psc, mnips, while appreciating the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), npm, for his continued support and strategic leadership, urged residents to continue supporting the Police with credible and actionable information, assuring that all information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality and professionalism. The CP further reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining robust intelligence-based policing, visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, and other proactive measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the State. For Emergencies, Contact: Oyo State Call Response Center Toll-Free Line: 615. Oyo State Police Command Control Room: 08081768614 & 07055495413. E- SIGNED DSP AYANLADE OLAYINKA anipr, Mnisma Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) 12th May, 2026.
