The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 18 suspects and recovered weapons in connection with a recent attack on police officers in Erin-Osun and Ilobu communities in Osun State.
The suspects were said to have gone into hiding following the incident but were later apprehended through ongoing investigations.
Osun Police Public Relations Officer Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the arrests and recovery of weapons in a statement issued on Sunday, stating that the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, coordinated a sustained intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrests.
“In a sustained and intelligence-driven operation coordinated by the Commissioner of Police, the command has successfully arrested an additional 14 suspects, bringing the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the incident to eighteen,” he said.
Ojelabi added that the operation also led to the recovery of one single-barrel gun, a live cartridge, and one cutlass.
The suspects include community leaders and residents from both Erin-Osun and Ilobu, with ages ranging from 18 to 65.
Those arrested are Olaitan Bashiru, 53, Baale of Apeponroro; Tajudeen Aralamo, 65, Baale of Oke Ayepe; Mustau Salam, 45, Oluode of Ilobu; Jimoh Nurudeen, 20; Adeboye Ashifa, 63; Ajibola Segun, 40; Mustapha Muwaliu, 38; Jimoh Quyum, 26; Ajani Faruq, 20; Musibau Jimoh, 35; Ajani Faruq, 18; Olaniyan Quadri, 40; Fatai Oyawoyin, 50; Basiru Olaogun, 55; Mutairu Olawoyin, 49; Ige Jimoh, 60; Olawoyin Samad, 18; and Tajudeen Taorid, 18.
The command said further efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects. “The command reiterates its commitment to upholding the human rights of all individuals and assures that all those involved in the criminal act will face the full weight of the law to serve as a deterrent to others. Members of the public are advised to remain law-abiding and refrain from acts capable of causing a breakdown of law and order. We also urge residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful and timely information that will aid policing in the state,” Ojelabi said.
He further called on the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help maintain peace in the affected communities.
