The Osun State Police Command has announced the arrest of several suspected hoodlums, political thugs and robbery suspects following a series of security operations carried out across Osogbo and other parts of the state.
Police Commissioner Ibrahim Gotan disclosed the development during a press briefing at the state police headquarters in Osogbo, saying the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to tackle violent crime, political unrest and other criminal activities.
Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, the commissioner said the command remained committed to ensuring the safety of residents through intelligence-led operations and rapid response to security threats.
Police Restore Order After NURTW Factional Clash in Osogbo
According to the police, security operatives were first deployed on Monday, July 20, 2026, after violence broke out during a protest involving rival factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
The protest reportedly started after one faction alleged that its members were prevented from accessing a motor park by another faction, leading to clashes in parts of Osogbo.
Police officers swiftly intervened and restored calm before the situation escalated further.
Three Security Operatives Shot as Armed Hoodlums Open Fire
Later that same day, police received another distress call at about 5:30 p.m. reporting that armed hoodlums were firing gunshots around the Oke-Ijetu area of Osogbo.
The Anti-Robbery and Violent Crime Response Unit immediately responded to the scene.
According to the commissioner, the suspected hoodlums, believed to be members of a faction allegedly linked to one Wakili Alowonle, opened fire on the responding officers.
The attack left three security operatives with gunshot injuries. The injured officers were taken to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
Suspect Arrested With Firearm, Vehicles and Other Exhibits
Police confirmed the arrest of a 40-year-old suspect identified as Adedeji Saheed Opeyemi during the operation.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly confessed that he was invited to the scene by an individual identified as Sibi, who reportedly handed him a pump-action gun after receiving instructions from Alowonle.
The suspect is currently assisting investigators as police intensify efforts to apprehend other fleeing suspects connected to the incident.
Items recovered during the operation include:
| Recovered Exhibits | Details |
|---|---|
| Expended cartridges | Six |
| Vehicles | Four |
| Motorcycles | Four |
| Military camouflage | Recovered |
| Suspected criminal charms | Recovered |
Police said investigations are ongoing.
Two Suspected Political Thugs Arrested Over Osogbo Disturbance
In a separate operation, the Osun State Police Command arrested two suspected political thugs accused of causing unrest in the Amadia area of Osogbo.
The arrests followed a distress call received on July 16, 2026.
The suspects were identified as:
| Suspect | Age |
|---|---|
| Alawode Ridwan | 26 |
| Ajibade Ahmed | 33 |
According to the commissioner, officers quickly responded to the report and arrested both suspects.
Police said they would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Police Recover Stolen Motorcycle Within Two Hours, Arrest Three Suspects
In another successful operation, police arrested three suspects over the alleged theft of a Bajaj motorcycle stolen from a commercial motorcyclist in the Osunjela area of Osogbo on July 19, 2026.
The command said intelligence-led investigations enabled officers to trace the stolen motorcycle to Modakeke, where it was recovered less than two hours after the theft was reported.
The arrested suspects include:
| Suspect | Age | Alleged Role |
|---|---|---|
| Kamarudeen Babatunde | 39 | Suspect |
| Lekan Usman | 22 | Suspect |
| Moses Oyebade (Ondo Town, Ondo State) | 40 | Alleged receiver |
Police said the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
Police Urge Residents to Remain Vigilant
The Osun State Police Command called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent criminal activities.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain alert, report suspicious movements promptly and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security across the state.
He added that all suspects arrested in the various operations would be prosecuted after the completion of investigations.
