The Oyo State police command has arrested three suspected criminals and recovered firearms, vandalised cables and other suspected stolen items in Bara Apaara area of the state. 

The state police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, in a statement on Tuesday noted that the suspects were arrested following a complaint received from a 42-year-old man, Akanni Hamzat.

“The incident followed a report received by the police from one Akanni Hamsat, a 42-year-old resident of Bara Apaara, Oyo, who reported the theft of his welding machine from his shop. 

“Through his personal investigation, the stolen machine was traced to a scrap shop within the area,” he said.

He stated that acting on the information, police operatives from Durbar Division promptly proceeded to the location, where the owner of the scrap shop, one Suhaib Abdulwahab, aged 30, of Akunlemu Area, Oyo, was arrested.

“A search conducted on the premises led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, armour cables belonging to NTA Oyo which had earlier been reported vandalised on 21 May 2026, as well as several car air-conditioning components suspected to be stolen” Mr Olayinka said.

He stated that further investigation led to the arrest of the scrap shop owner including two additional suspects identified as Kabiril Mustapha and Abdullah Abdullah, aged 25, both of Akunlemu Area, Oyo, who are believed to be connected to the crimes.

“The recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody, while investigations continue to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and to identify other possible accomplices,” he added. 

Mr Olayinka stated the suspects were cooperating with investigators as inquiries progress.