2 Men Escape as Police Recover Gun, Live Bullet and Suspected Drugs in Ibadan

Two men fled while another was arrested after operatives of the Oyo State Police Command intercepted three suspects during a stop-and-search operation in Ibadan, leading to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, a live cartridge and suspected illicit drugs.

The operation was carried out on the night of July 11, 2026, by officers attached to the Bodija Housing Police Division during an intelligence-led patrol along Oshuntokun Avenue in the Bodija area of Ibadan.

According to the Police Command, the three suspects were riding a Bajaj motorcycle when they were stopped for a routine search. During the operation, one of the suspects allegedly threw a small bag into a nearby drainage, while two others immediately fled the scene with the motorcycle.

The third suspect, identified as Hammed Lateef, was arrested at the scene.

A search of the discarded bag led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, one live cartridge, sachets containing substances suspected to be Tramadol, and a passport photograph believed to belong to one of the fleeing suspects.

The Police said investigations have commenced, while efforts are underway to identify and arrest the two fleeing suspects.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling illegal firearms and other criminal activities through proactive, intelligence-driven policing.

He also appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information that will assist security agencies in preventing crime and bringing offenders to justice.

The Oyo State Police Command urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through the state’s emergency response channels as the manhunt for the fleeing suspects continues.