By The Oyo State Police Command has arrested three suspects and recovered a locally fabricated pistol alongside assorted charms during a stop-and-search operation in Fiditi area of the state.
The suspects, identified as Kilani Abbas, 31, Toheed Adediwura, 38, and Ibrahim Rafiu, 40, were apprehended by operatives attached to the Restore Peace Unit on Monday, May 11, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the operation was carried out at about 4:50 a.m. along Old Oyo Road near the American International School, Bethel, Fiditi, when officers intercepted a commercial bus during a routine stop-and-search exercise.
“As part of the Oyo State Police Command’s proactive policing strategy and sustained commitment to intelligence-led crime prevention operations across the State, operatives attached to the Restore Peace Unit have recorded another operational breakthrough with the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol and the arrest of three suspects.
“The incident occurred on 11th May, 2026, at about 0450hrs, when Police operatives conducting routine intelligence-driven stop-and-search operations along Old Oyo Road, by American International School, Bethel, Fiditi, intercepted a commercial bus with registration number yet unknown,” the statement reads.
The police said all passengers and their luggage were subjected to search in line with operational procedures, but the three suspects allegedly became uncomfortable and attempted to flee when attention shifted towards them and their belongings.
“Their action triggered a frantic chase by the Police operatives, leading to their eventual arrest,” the statement noted.
DSP Ayanlade disclosed that a subsequent search on the luggage allegedly linked to the suspects led to the recovery of “a locally fabricated pistol alongside assorted charms concealed inside a nylon bag.”
The suspects were identified as Kilani Abbas of Onaara-Amoloko, Toheed Adediwura of Kolobo area in Oyo, and Ibrahim Rafiu of Sanga area, Oyo.
Mr. Ayanlade noted that the operation was aided successfully through the effectiveness of intelligence-led stop-and-search operations in intercepting dangerous weapons and criminal elements before crimes are committed.
He also stressed the importance of public cooperation and timely intelligence sharing in tackling insecurity across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ayodeji Olugbenga also urged residents to continue supporting the command with relevant information, assuring that such information would be treated with confidentiality and professionalism.
