The Nigerian Police
Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have foiled a highway robbery along the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway, arresting one suspected armed robber during a joint operation with local vigilantes.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at Egbeda Village, along the Ogbomoso axis, when a joint patrol team comprising police officers and local vigilantes encountered a group of suspected armed robbers who had blocked the highway.
The suspects reportedly intercepted a tanker loaded with diesel and driven by Surajudeen Sulaiman. The hoodlums forcefully dispossessed the driver and his motor boys of their belongings during the attack.
However, their operation was cut short when the patrol team arrived at the scene, leading to a gunfight between the robbers and the security operatives.
During the exchange of gunfire, one of the suspects, identified as 32-year-old Dere Yahaya, was apprehended, while other members of the gang fled into the surrounding bush with suspected gunshot wounds.
Police authorities said a bush-combing operation and manhunt have been launched to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, commended the courage and swift response of the police operatives and local vigilantes who participated in the operation.
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He also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for his continued support and guidance in strengthening highway and community policing across the country.
The Ogbomoso–Ilorin Expressway has recently gained notoriety as a hotspot for highway robberies, hijackings, and frequent auto crashes.
Police said the latest arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to improve security in the area. It also comes barely a month after another operation in Ogbomoso in February 2026, where officers recovered goods valued at about ₦31.75 million from a criminal gang.
The command urged residents and road users to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Members of the public were also advised to contact the Oyo State Call Response Centre toll-free line on 615, or the command’s control room numbers 08081768614 and 07055495413 in case of emergencies.
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