Police Nab Armed Robbery Gang; Dismissed Army Officers Are Among The Suspects in Oyo

Photo Credit Visit Disclaimers: Use Of AI Images In Our Newsletters

They looked like disciplined men. They carried themselves with confidence. Yet instead of protecting innocent Nigerians, they allegedly turned to crime. In a stunning turn of events, the police nabbed armed robbery suspects — including dismissed army officers — in Oyo State’s Ibadan metropolis, disrupting a violent syndicate that preyed on unsuspecting citizens. Moreover, officers recovered several stolen vehicles, returned hope to victims, and renewed confidence in law enforcement. This case is shocking because it involves former soldiers who may have used their military experience to intimidate victims and escape detection. Most importantly, it underscores how dedicated police work and intelligence can bring dangerous criminals to justice.

Before we go further, here is the key date and place of this breaking case.

On January 28, 2026 in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Oyo State Police Command announced the arrest of two armed robbery suspects — both dismissed Nigerian Army officers — and the recovery of multiple stolen vehicles during a coordinated, intelligence‑driven operation within the city. This development caught public attention and sparked discussion about security in southwest Nigeria.

The Crime That Shook Ibadan

In recent months leading up to January 2026, residents of Ibadan reported a disturbing increase in violent vehicle snatching cases. The perpetrators often accosted victims at gunpoint, took vehicles, and disappeared into crowded neighbourhoods with little trace. The crime trend sowed fear and panic across the metropolis, prompting urgent calls for stronger police response.

Then, intelligence from the public and internal police monitoring pointed to specific suspects believed to be central to this spate of robberies. Among these suspects were two men with military backgrounds, raising alarm within the security community.

Who Were the Suspects?

The Oyo State Police Command identified the suspects as:

• David Okhaie, aged 48, of Ojoo Area, Ibadan — a dismissed Corporal of the Nigerian Army who reportedly falsely paraded himself as an Army Captain.
• Balogun Afolabi, aged 43, of Wakajaiye Area, Ibadan — also a dismissed Corporal of the Nigerian Army accused of participating in the robbery syndicate. 3

Both men were formally dismissed from military service before their alleged involvement in the armed robbery operations. Police say they used their military experience and perceived authority to intimidate victims and evade detection.

Police Response: Intelligence and Coordination

The arrests were not accidental. Instead, they resulted from a structured, intelligence‑led effort by the Oyo State Police Command’s Monitoring Unit. Officers acted on credible public tips and surveillance leads. After gathering sufficient information, the Monitoring Unit executed a planned operation within the Ibadan metropolis.

According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the breakthrough came after weeks of man‑tracking and field work. Police operatives maintained pressure on the suspects until they identified their hideouts and connections. Then, they moved in swiftly to make the arrests and secure evidence.

Read also Nigerian Army Arrests 27 Illegal Miners in FCT, Neutralises Terrorists In 24hrs

Recovered Vehicles and Evidence

During the operation and subsequent searches, police recovered several stolen vehicles linked to the suspects. These included:

• Toyota Camry (black) — Registration KRD 253 KC
• Toyota Corolla (metallic) — Registration JTA 938 AA
• Lexus RX 350 (silver) — Unregistered
• Super Cargo motorcycle (black) — Registration YRE 487 VD 7

Police urge citizens who may have lost vehicles matching these descriptions to contact the Oyo State Police Command with proof of ownership and identification. Proper verification could help law enforcement return stolen property to rightful owners.

Confessions and Cooperation

Following their arrest, both suspects confessed to their roles in dispossessing members of the public at gunpoint. They are now reportedly cooperating with investigators. Police hope this cooperation will lead to further arrests of other network members and the recovery of additional stolen items.

Law enforcement officers emphasised that while these arrests represent a significant gain, the wider criminal network may still be active. As a result, investigations remain ongoing, with the intent to dismantle all components of the syndicate.

Official Police Statements

The Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, commended the officers involved. He publicly praised their professionalism and resolve. According to him, the operation’s success demonstrates the value of intelligence‑led policing in combating violent crime.

CP Haruna reiterated the command’s commitment to securing lives and property in the state. He encouraged citizens to continue supporting police efforts by reporting suspicious activities and maintaining open communication channels with law enforcement.

Citizen Reactions

As news of the arrests spread, Ibadan residents shared mixed emotions. Some expressed relief that dangerous criminals were arrested. Others, however, voiced concern because the suspects were once in uniform. Many feel the involvement of dismissed soldiers deepens how serious the problem of armed robbery has grown in the state.

Local business owners reported feeling safer, yet still vigilant. Many residents applauded the police for taking firm action. Others called for sustained pressure on criminal networks to prevent any resurgence of similar crimes.

You May have missed this Nigerian Army Arrests 27 Illegal Miners in FCT, Neutralises Terrorists In 24hrs

Context: Crime Trends in Oyo

The arrests come amid broader efforts by the Oyo State Police Command to crack down on violent crime. In late 2025, police reported the arrest of dozens of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers as part of ongoing security evaluations. These actions highlighted the command’s focus on proactive strategies to curb crime and terror in local communities.

Additionally, enforcement strategies such as routine stop‑and‑search operations have led to the apprehension of other robbery suspects within the metropolis. For example, three young suspects were intercepted recently during a proactive police exercise, leading to the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm.

Why This Case Matters

This case is significant for several reasons. First, it shows that criminals can emerge from unexpected backgrounds, including those with military training. Second, it highlights the importance of intelligence and public cooperation in effective policing. Third, it underscores that violent crime — especially armed robbery — remains a serious concern requiring sustained action. Public safety must remain a shared responsibility between citizens and law enforcement.

Furthermore, this incident serves as a reminder that trained individuals who break public trust can cause deep harm. Their alleged use of military experience for crime erodes confidence in uniformed services. Yet, these arrests show that accountability and justice can prevail when authorities act with transparency and resolve.

Preventive Measures and Public Advice

Security experts emphasise that crime prevention requires active community engagement. Citizens should remain alert, report suspicious activities, and avoid confrontations when possible. Police often emphasise that timely and credible information from the public can make investigations more effective. Likewise, maintaining good communication between neighbourhood associations and police divisions contributes to safer environments.

Furthermore, vehicle owners are advised to use secure parking, avoid travelling alone at night, and install tracking devices. These basic precautions can reduce vulnerability to theft and provide crucial data if a vehicle is taken. Reliable tracking systems have proven useful in reclaiming stolen property in many jurisdictions. None of these measures can fully eliminate risk. However, when combined with strong law enforcement action, they significantly improve safety outcomes.

Looking Ahead

The arrests of the two dismissed army officers mark only one phase of a larger battle against violent crime in Oyo State. Police say more arrests may be imminent. Detectives are following up leads and analysing information obtained from the suspects. Investigators believe the broader network may have collaborators still at large.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to urge caution and cooperation. The Commissioner of Police reiterated that sustained community support is vital. Police cannot succeed alone. They need citizens to share information, participate in local safety initiatives, and partner in crime‑prevention strategies.

You may have missed this Police Nab 38-Year-Old Man with 954 Suspected Explosives in Zamfara

Conclusion

The case of the Oyo State Police Command’s arrest of armed robbery suspects — including dismissed army officers — illustrates both the challenge and the possibility of effective crime control in Nigeria. It shows that violent criminals, even those with military experience, can be held accountable when law enforcement works diligently, strategically, and with community backing.

Moreover, the recovery of stolen vehicles and confessions from suspects offer hope that justice will follow. Yet the fight against crime does not end here. Sustained effort, intelligence coordination, and public participation will remain key to building safer communities in Ibadan, across Oyo State, and beyond.

For Security Updates In Nigeria Visit Security updates Nigeria And Legit.ng