Midnight Police Raid in Ibadan: Five Suspected Armed Robbers Arrested, Firearms and Charms Recovered

Midnight Police Raid in Ibadan: Five Suspected Armed Robbers Arrested, Firearms and Charms Recovered

June 13, 2026

The Oyo State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against violent crime with the arrest of five suspected armed robbers and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and various criminal charms during a midnight operation in Ibadan.

The operation, which took place in the early hours of Friday, June 12, 2026, was carried out by operatives of the command at Gbeku Area, Olodo, in Egbeda Local Government Area of Oyo State following credible intelligence reports about the activities of a suspected criminal syndicate.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, intelligence gathered by security operatives indicated that members of the gang were allegedly planning another criminal operation within the community from their hideout when police officers swooped in on the location.

The carefully coordinated raid targeted the residence of one Surajudeen Babatunde Adio, popularly known as "Surii Ilupeju," believed to be linked to the criminal network. During the operation, officers arrested five suspects identified as Ahmed Nafiu, 43; Olukunmi Olaniyi, 36; Femi Odeyinde, 53; Jelili Akinade, 50; and Muhideen Adio, 27.

A comprehensive search of the premises led to the discovery and recovery of several dangerous items allegedly used for criminal activities. Among the exhibits recovered were a pump-action gun, a single-barrel cut-to-size firearm, eight live cartridges, a locally made bullet-proof vest, two bottles containing substances suspected to be charm-induced syrups, and several traditional charms believed to be used for protection during criminal operations.

The police described the recovery as a significant success in their intelligence-driven campaign against armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes threatening public safety across the state.

In a related development, security sources revealed that intelligence reports had also linked certain criminal elements operating within the area to cult-related activities. Some suspects previously apprehended during separate investigations reportedly confessed to being members of the notorious Eiye Supremo Confraternity, a cult group that has been associated with violent crimes and gang-related clashes in several parts of the country.

Speaking on the latest breakthrough, Ayanlade stated that the suspects remain in police custody while investigators work to determine the full extent of their alleged involvement in criminal activities.

"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," he said.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Olugbenga Abimbola, commended the officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command's determination to eliminate criminal elements from all parts of the state.

Abimbola assured residents that intelligence-led operations, surveillance activities, and targeted raids on identified criminal hideouts would continue relentlessly until all those involved in violent crimes are brought to justice.

He further called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent criminal activities.

The police boss emphasized that all information supplied by residents would be treated with strict confidentiality, noting that community cooperation remains a critical factor in the fight against crime.

The latest arrests come amid intensified efforts by security agencies to tackle rising concerns over armed robbery, cult-related violence, and other security threats in parts of Oyo State. Residents have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the operation will help strengthen security and restore confidence in affected communities.

As investigations continue, authorities say more arrests may follow as the police expand efforts to dismantle the entire criminal network and recover additional weapons that may still be in circulation.