Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested three suspected vandals and armed robbers during an operation in Ilorin, the state capital.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended on Tuesday around the Asa Dam/Dangote Road area by officers attached to the newly created Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).
The spokesperson of the command, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the development in an official statement released to journalists.
According to the police, the arrests followed sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering after residents raised concerns over increasing criminal activities around the Asa Dam and Dangote Road axis.
The command explained that the operation formed part of strategic policing efforts introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, to strengthen intelligence-led crime fighting and proactive security measures.
“Operatives of the VCRU swiftly responded to suspicious movements around the Tanke area of Ilorin,” the statement said.
During the operation, the police reportedly arrested three suspects believed to be linked to a criminal syndicate involved in vandalising government-installed solar street lights and carrying out armed robbery activities within parts of Ilorin.
Preliminary investigations further revealed that the suspects may belong to a larger criminal network operating across several areas of the metropolis.
Police also recovered items allegedly connected to the group’s activities during the arrest.
Recovered exhibits reportedly include two locally made pistols, pliers and suspected hard drugs believed to have been used in carrying out criminal operations.
The police said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate as well as individuals allegedly buying stolen items from them.
The Kwara State Police Command reassured residents that efforts are being intensified to tackle violent crimes and improve security across the state.
The latest arrest comes amid increasing concerns over vandalism of public infrastructure and rising insecurity in some parts of the country.
Residents have also continued to call for stronger security patrols and intelligence operations to curb criminal activities in urban communities.
Source: Statement by Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.
