By The Oyo State Police Command has foiled a tanker robbery along the Ogbomosho–Ilorin Expressway and arrested a suspected armed robber during the operation.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said a joint patrol team of police operatives and local vigilantes encountered the robbers at Egbeda Village via Ogbomosho, where the hoodlums had blocked the highway and stopped a diesel-laden tanker driven by Surajudeen Sulaiman.
According to the statement, the suspects had dispossessed the tanker driver and his motor boys of their belongings before the patrol team engaged them in a gun duel. One of the suspects, identified as Dere Yahaya, 32, was arrested while other members of the gang fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.
The police said an intensive manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that the operation underscores the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property along major highways in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, commended the bravery of the operatives and local security partners involved in the operation and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna PSC (+), appreciates the bravery and quick response of the operatives and local security partners during the operation. He also expresses his profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu PSC (+), NPM, for his continuous guidance and support in strengthening highway and community policing across the Nation.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly, and continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure a safer environment for all,” the statement read.
PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS
In hindsight, there have been reported cases of armed robbers hijacking tankers and stealing large quantities of fuel in Oyo state. On April 13, 2025, The Street Journal reported that Oyo State Police arrested three suspects in connection with the hijacking of a truck loaded with 45,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) on the Ibadan-Ijebu-Ode Road. The hijacked truck reportedly belon to NIPCO Petroleum Nigeria Limited.
Also, on February 14, 2026, The Guardian reported that Oyo Police arrested two suspects, include a 64-year-old man, who were alleged to have stolen 24 barrels of 240 litres of diesel valued at ₦12,000,000.
The latest attempted oil robbery therefore brings the number of reported incidents to least three attempts within 11 months in Oyo state. AfrikTimes will keep monitoring the trends and provide timely updates as soon as possible.
