Police Arrest Two Dismissed Soldiers for Armed Robbery in Ibadan

Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have apprehended two dismissed members of the Nigerian Army for their alleged involvement in a series of armed robbery operations within the Ibadan metropolis. The suspects, identified as David Okhaie (48) and Balogun Afolabi (43), were arrested following an intelligence-led operation by the Command Monitoring Unit, which dismantled their syndicate.

According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the arrest was the result of a sustained manhunt triggered by credible intelligence. Investigations revealed that both men were former Corporals in the Nigerian Army who had been dismissed from service. Despite their dismissal, they continued to wear military uniforms, with Okhaie specifically parading himself as an Army Captain to intimidate victims and evade law enforcement checks.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the duo specialized in dispossessing unsuspecting members of the public of their vehicles at gunpoint. Their mode of operation involved posing as senior military officers to gain the trust or compliance of motorists before striking. This "tactical deception" allowed them to operate for a period, instilling fear and disrupting public peace across the state capital.

During the operation that led to their arrest, police detectives recovered several items believed to be proceeds of crime. These include:

• A black Toyota Camry (Registration No: KRD 253 KC)

• A metallic Toyota Corolla (Registration No: JTA 938 AA)

• A silver Lexus RX 350 (Unregistered)

• A black Super Cargo motorcycle (Registration No: YRE 487 VD)

The Commissioner of Police, CP Femi Haruna, commended the officers of the Monitoring Unit for their professionalism and gallantry. He noted that the suspects have confessed to the crimes and are currently providing useful information to help track down other members of their criminal network.

The Command has issued a public call to residents who may have recently lost vehicles matching the descriptions of the recovered exhibits. Victims are advised to visit the Oyo State Police Command Headquarters at Eleyele, Ibadan, with valid proof of ownership and identification for verification and possible recovery of their property.