A 25-year-old suspected armed robber, Babatunde Ayinla, has been arrested by operatives of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps, codenamed So-Safe Corps, during a patrol operation in Itele, Ogun State.
The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday after operatives responded to a distress call over an ongoing robbery attack around the Ladot axis.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the So-Safe Corps, Assistant Commander Adegunwa Adegbuyi, on behalf of the State Commander, Cmdr. (Dr.) Soji Ganzallo.
According to the statement, officers attached to the Itele-Ayetoro Area Command, led by the Area Commander, ACC Abayomi Abass, were on routine patrol around Orji Block Bus Stop along Lafenwa Road at about 1 a.m. when they received information about the robbery incident.
The operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, but while other members of the gang reportedly escaped on a stolen motorcycle, Ayinla, said to be a resident of the Amikanle community, was successfully apprehended.
“A quick search conducted on the suspect immediately after his arrest led to the recovery of one locally fabricated pistol, two rounds of live ammunition and one local protective charm,” the statement read.
The Corps added that the suspect and the recovered exhibits had been handed over to the Itele Police Station for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The State Commander assured residents that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and recover the stolen motorcycle.
“Our tracking and surveillance teams are already on the trail of the fleeing suspects. We are determined to ensure they are arrested, the stolen motorcycle is recovered, and all those involved face the full wrath of the law,” Ganzallo was quoted as saying.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies to strengthen efforts at tackling crime across the state.
