Police Nab Ex-Soldiers Over Armed Robbery, Recover Vehicles
The Oyo State Police Command, on Wednesday in Ibadan, Oyo State announced the arrest of two dismissed Nigerian Army personnel over alleged armed robbery activities.
Following an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing violent crime and restoring public safety across the state, and he duo were apprehended.
The arrests were disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olayinka Ayanlade, who said operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit tracked and apprehended the suspects after receiving credible intelligence and carrying out a sustained manhunt within the Ibadan metropolis.
Ayanlade described the operation as a major breakthrough in the command’s ongoing crime-fighting efforts, stating, “In furtherance of the command’s sustained efforts to combat violent crime and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit recorded a significant operational success with the arrest of two notorious armed robbery suspects.”
The suspects were identified as David Okhaie, 48, of the Ojoo area of Ibadan, and Balogun Afolabi, 43, of Wakajaiye, also in Ibadan. Both men are dismissed army corporals, with police alleging that Okhaie falsely presented himself to the public as an army captain.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspects targeted unsuspecting residents, allegedly robbing them of their vehicles at gunpoint, acts said to have heightened fear and undermined public peace in parts of the state.
Items recovered during the operation include a black Toyota Camry with registration number KRD 253 KC, a metallic Toyota Corolla with registration number JTA 938 AA, a silver Lexus RX 350 without registration, and a black Super Cargo motorcycle bearing registration number YRE 487 VD.
The police spokesman further disclosed that the suspects confessed to the alleged crimes and are cooperating with investigators to help dismantle the wider robbery network and recover additional stolen property.
Members of the public who believe their stolen vehicles match the recovered exhibits were advised to visit the Oyo State Police Command with valid proof of ownership and identification for verification and possible recovery.
The command reaffirmed its resolve to tackle criminality across the state and appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support police operations.
