The Oyo State Police Command has arrested four suspected armed robbers and cultists during a dawn raid on a criminal hideout in the Soka area of Oluyole Local Government Area, dealing a fresh blow to criminal activities within the Ibadan metropolis.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit following intelligence reports linking them to a series of violent crimes across the state capital.
Confirming the operation, the Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said officers stormed the hideout at about 6 a.m. after receiving credible information that members of a notorious criminal syndicate were planning another operation within the community.
According to him, intelligence gathered by the police indicated that the suspects had been terrorising residents in several parts of Ibadan and were preparing to strike again when security operatives moved in.
Weapon Recovered
During the operation, police recovered a locally made pistol believed to have been used in criminal activities.
The arrested suspects were identified as Salawu Sarafa, popularly known as “Folori”; Yusuf Tajudeen, also known as “Blacky”; Farouq Ariyo; and Adebayo Awosemo, alias “Naira.”
Suspects Allegedly Confess
Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly admitted being members of the notorious Eiye Supremo Confraternity.
According to the command, the suspects also confessed to involvement in various violent crimes carried out within Ibadan and surrounding communities.
Police Intensify Manhunt
The Oyo State Police Command disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang who are currently on the run.
Authorities said investigators are working to uncover the full scope of the syndicate’s operations, identify additional accomplices, and dismantle the network completely.
The latest arrest comes amid intensified security operations across Oyo State aimed at curbing cult-related violence, armed robbery, and other criminal activities.
Residents have welcomed the development and urged security agencies to sustain the crackdown to ensure safer communities across the state.
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