The Oyo State Police Command has paraded three suspected armed robbers following a major operation that led to the recovery of stolen goods valued at over N31.7 million in the state.
The police said the breakthrough was achieved through timely information from members of the public, highlighting the growing role of community cooperation in fighting crime.
The suspects were arrested after they allegedly hijacked a truck loaded with agricultural products along the Coca-Cola area in Asejire, Ibadan.
According to the police, the victim, identified as Ezekiel Inije, was robbed at gunpoint by a five-man gang while transporting goods.
The attack, which occurred on a major route used by transporters and traders, raised fresh concerns about highway robbery and insecurity affecting logistics and business activities in Nigeria.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, said operatives acted swiftly after receiving intelligence about the incident.
He noted that the Command deployed its Monitoring Unit to track down the suspects using human intelligence and modern investigative techniques.
The suspects were eventually arrested in the Oko area of Ogbomoso.
Those arrested were identified as Chigbo Mesoma, 24; Erondu Wisdom, 29; and Okechukwu Emmanuel, 25.
Police said the suspects were part of a syndicate known for highway robbery and hijacking of goods.
Recovered items included a Howo truck loaded with 2,000 bags of Karma agricultural chicken feed valued at N31,750,000.
Other exhibits included a cutlass and an additional Lagos vehicle number plate believed to have been used in the operation.
The police said the suspects have confessed to the crime and are cooperating with investigators.
The Command also disclosed that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang who are still at large.
In a statement, the police said the arrest followed “credible intelligence” from residents, which helped operatives to move quickly and prevent further losses.
The Commissioner praised officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and dedication.
He also urged residents to continue sharing information with security agencies, assuring them that such intelligence would be treated confidentially.
The police stressed that public cooperation remains critical in the fight against crime and insecurity.
The development comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, and hijacking of commercial goods across Nigeria.
In recent years, transporters and business owners have raised alarm over attacks on highways, which have affected supply chains, food distribution, and prices.
Nigeria’s agricultural sector, which plays a major role in food security and economic stability, has also been affected by insecurity.
Farmers, transporters, and traders often face attacks while moving goods from farms to markets.
Security analysts say this has contributed to inflation and disruptions in food supply.
The hijacking of agricultural products, such as chicken feed, is seen as part of a growing trend where criminals target items with high resale value.
Experts note that rising economic hardship and unemployment have driven some youths into crime.
However, they emphasise that intelligence-driven policing and community engagement remain key solutions.
The Oyo State Police Command said the success of the operation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between the police and the public.
The Command also assured residents that it would intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering across the state.
It said more patrols and security operations would be carried out, especially on major highways and commercial routes.
Residents were advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
The police also provided emergency contact numbers for members of the public to reach the Command in case of security threats.
The incident has also renewed debate about the need for improved security on Nigeria’s roads.
Stakeholders have called for increased use of technology, including surveillance systems and tracking devices for commercial vehicles.
Others have suggested stronger collaboration between federal and state security agencies.
The Oyo government has in recent years invested in security infrastructure, including patrol vehicles and communication systems.
However, analysts say more efforts are needed to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and social inequality.
The arrest of the suspects has brought relief to residents and transport operators in the state.
Some business owners have described the recovery of the stolen goods as a positive development that could restore confidence in security agencies.
Others have urged the police to ensure that the suspects are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.
Civil society organisations have also called for continued reforms in policing, including improved training, welfare, and accountability.
They say a well-equipped and motivated police force is essential for national development.
Nigeria continues to face security challenges across several regions, including banditry in the North-West, terrorism in the North-East, and kidnapping in many states.
Experts believe strengthening local policing and intelligence gathering will be critical to addressing these threats.
The Oyo State Police Command said it remains committed to protecting lives and property.
It reiterated that the state will not be a safe haven for criminals.
As investigations continue, the Command urged members of the public to remain law-abiding and support efforts to maintain peace and stability.
The police also reassured residents that all suspects would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
For many Nigerians, the case is another reminder of the need for stronger security and collective responsibility in tackling crime.
Observers say that sustained cooperation between security agencies and citizens is essential to building safer communities and supporting economic growth.
