The police command in Oyo State says it has recovered a stolen Toyota Corolla car belonging to an Uber driver during an anti-robbery operation conducted by its operatives.

The command’s spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, in a statement on Tuesday, said the stolen car, with registration number LSR 893 CX, was recovered in Lagos by the operatives.

Mr Osifeso said the successful operation was part of the command’s ongoing initiative to address armed robbery incidents specifically targeting Uber drivers in the state.

“Recently, there has been an alarming rise in reports of armed robbers attacking Uber drivers at gunpoint, stealing their vehicles and cash.

“In light of this troubling trend, the Oyo State police command escalated the investigation from the Iyaganku Divisional Police Headquarters to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

“The escalation was for a thorough inquiry and prompt intervention. Our dedicated Anti-Robbery Squad took immediate action by utilising both intelligence gathering and on-the-ground operations,” he said.

Mr Osifeso added that the officers successfully located and recovered the stolen silver Toyota Corolla car through extensive surveillance and tracking efforts.

Mr Osifeso said the prompt recovery of the stolen car underscores the police command’s unwavering commitment to safeguard the well-being of all residents and visitors.

He also stated that the police commissioner, Femi Haruna, had pledged the command’s determination to proactively confront crime, protecting citizens and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice.

The police urged the residents with useful information related to further robbery incidents or suspicious behaviours to report it immediately to the police.

Mr Osifeso added that the command remained focused on ensuring the safety of residents.

(NAN)