Police arrest five in pre‑dawn raid, seize weapons, charms in Oyo

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Oyo State Police Command has claimed it arrested five suspected members of a criminal syndicate and recovered firearms, ammunition and items described as charms during an intelligence‑led raid at a residence in Olodo, Ibadan.

A statement obtained from the Command on Saturday revealed that the operation took place in the early hours of June 12.

“At about 0100hrs, operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence and in furtherance of ongoing intelligence‑led operations against violent crimes, stormed the residence of one Surajudeen Babatunde Adio, popularly known as ‘Surii Ilupeju’, located at Gbeku Area, Olodo, Ibadan,” the statement reads.

Five men were taken into custody during the operation.

The Command identified them as:
• Ahmed Nafiu, 43;
• Olukunmi Olaniyi, 36;
• Femi Odeyinde, 53;
• Jelili Akinade, 50; and
• Muhideen Adio, 27.

Police said a thorough search of the premises produced a “one pump‑action gun,” “one single‑barrel cut‑to‑size gun,” eight live cartridges, a native bullet‑proof vest, “two bottles of suspected charm‑induced syrup,” and assorted charms and other incriminating items.

“The suspects are currently in Police custody while discreet investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full extent of their involvement in criminal activities and to apprehend other members of the syndicate who may still be at large,” the statement added.

Oyo State Commissioner of Police CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the Command’s resolve to tackle violent crime.

He “reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state,” the statement said, and assured residents that “intelligence‑led operations and targeted raids of identified criminal hideouts will continue until all criminal elements are brought to justice.”

The Command urged the public to keep providing information.

“The Command urges members of the public to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information, assuring that all information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” the statement concluded.

Police investigators are expected to present the suspects and recovered items to the court as inquiries continue.