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| Nigeria police |
The incident happened along the busy Ogbomoso Ilorin Expressway, an important route frequently used by commercial vehicles and transporters moving between Oyo State and parts of northern Nigeria.
According to the Oyo State Police Command, the suspect was captured during a joint security operation involving police officers and local vigilante members who were on routine patrol in the area.
Police authorities explained that the incident occurred around Egbeda Village near Ogbomoso when the patrol team discovered that armed men had blocked the road and were carrying out a robbery operation.
The criminals reportedly stopped a tanker loaded with diesel and forced the driver and his assistants to surrender their valuables. The tanker driver, identified as Surajudeen Sulaiman, was said to have been intimidated by the armed suspects who also dispossessed the motor boys of their belongings.
However, the robbery operation was abruptly interrupted when the joint patrol team arrived at the scene.
Upon sighting the security operatives, the suspects attempted to flee the area, which led to an exchange of gunfire between the robbers and the patrol team.
During the confrontation, one of the suspects was successfully arrested by the security operatives while other members of the gang escaped into the nearby bush.
The arrested suspect was later identified as 32 year old Dere Yahaya.
Police officials said the fleeing suspects were believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire as they ran into the surrounding forest to avoid arrest.
Following the incident, security operatives immediately launched a search operation in the nearby bush in an attempt to track down and apprehend the remaining members of the criminal gang.
The Oyo State Police Command confirmed that efforts are ongoing to capture the fleeing suspects and dismantle the robbery network responsible for the attack.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Femi Haruna, praised the bravery and swift response of the officers and vigilante members who participated in the operation.
He said the successful arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation between security agencies and community based security groups in combating crime.
The police commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for providing leadership and strategic direction aimed at strengthening policing across the country.
According to him, such support has helped improve operational efficiency and has enabled security agencies to respond quickly to criminal threats.
Authorities noted that the Ogbomoso Ilorin Expressway has recently witnessed several cases of highway robbery, accidents, and other security challenges.
Because of its importance as a major transport corridor, the road has attracted criminal groups who target vehicles transporting goods and fuel products.
Security agencies have therefore intensified patrol operations along the route in order to protect motorists and prevent further attacks.
The latest arrest also comes shortly after another successful police operation in Ogbomoso earlier in February 2026 where security operatives recovered goods valued at over ₦31 million from suspected criminals involved in robbery activities.
Police authorities have urged residents and road users to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or criminal activities to security agencies without delay.
They emphasized that community cooperation is essential in tackling insecurity and ensuring that criminals do not find safe hiding places within local communities.
Residents of the state were also encouraged to contact the Oyo State emergency response lines whenever they notice suspicious activities that could threaten public safety.
Security officials say investigations into the incident are still ongoing and the arrested suspect will face prosecution once the investigation is concluded.
By JOHN MATHEW