Police Nab Three Suspected Vandals, Robbery Syndicate Members in Ilorin
Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested three suspected members of a criminal syndicate linked to vandalism and armed robbery activities along the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis in Ilorin metropolis.
The suspects were apprehended by the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) during an intelligence-led operation around the Tanke area of Ilorin in the early hours of Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation followed complaints and concerns raised by residents over increasing criminal activities within the Asa Dam/Dangote Road corridor.
The police disclosed that the suspects were allegedly involved in the vandalisation of government-installed solar street lights and other robbery-related crimes within the area.
Items reportedly recovered from the suspects include two locally made pistols, pliers and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The statement noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the arrested suspects belong to a wider criminal network operating across different parts of Ilorin metropolis.
“The suspects are part of a wider network responsible for criminal activities across key locations within Ilorin metropolis,” the statement said.
The command added that efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate as well as individuals allegedly receiving stolen items from the group.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Adekimi Ojo, said the achievement underscored the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and proactive crime prevention.
He stated that the operation reflected the command’s intensified surveillance strategy across identified crime-prone areas in the state.
The police commissioner also reassured residents of the command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
“No criminal element will be allowed to operate freely within the state,” the CP assured.
