A suspect has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery in Nigeria.
Our correspondent in Nigeria: Boubacar Sani
The Nigerian Oyo State Police Command announced the arrest of a suspect in an armed robbery, after he was accused of attacking a commercial motorcycle driver and stealing his motorcycle in Ibadan, in an operation described by authorities as a new advance in efforts to combat violent crime.
Police explained that the suspect, named Shafiu Nuhu, was arrested by members of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), following a security operation based on accurate intelligence, after the attack that took place on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, along the Adenige Estate, Abata, Ibadan area.
Disguised as a rider
Police spokesman DSP Deputy Superintendent Ayanladi Olayinka said the suspect is believed to have disguised himself as a passenger before attacking motorcyclist Mohamadou Kamilio with an iron hammer, then stealing his Bajaj Boxer motorcycle.
He added that the security forces acted on reliable information provided by members of the public, and were able to track down and arrest the suspect. They also recovered the stolen motorcycle bearing registration number AJW 842 QU, in addition to the iron hammer allegedly used in carrying out the robbery.
The attack resulted in injuries to the victim, and a citizen named Nathaniel Ibrahim was also injured while trying to rescue the motorcyclist. Both injured individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
He confessed to committing armed robbery alone.
During the investigation, police reported that the suspect confessed to committing armed robberies alone, targeting commercial motorcycle drivers in Ibadan and the surrounding areas. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to determine if he is connected to other robberies and to recover further evidence.
Oyo State Police Commissioner, CP Abimbola Olugbenga, praised the courage of the citizen who intervened to save the victim, and also commended the vigilance of the residents whose information contributed to the success of the security operation.
The police commissioner called on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by immediately reporting any suspicious activities, stressing the security leadership’s commitment to continuing intelligence-gathering work and protecting lives and property throughout Oyo State.
