The Ekiti State Police Command has recorded major operational successes with the arrest of three suspected cattle rustlers, the recovery of two stolen cows, and the foiling of an armed robbery operation in separate incidents across the state.
The anti-cattle rustling operation followed a report received at about 4:17 p.m. on July 24 from Mohammed Saidi Laaro of Temidire Street, Ayebode Ekiti, who informed police that suspected cattle rustlers had invaded his camp earlier that morning.
According to the complainant, a five-man gang stormed the camp at about 3:00 a.m. and stole two cows before fleeing the scene.
Acting swiftly on the report, operatives from the Ikole Ekiti Division mobilised to the area and tracked the suspects to a forest between Oke Ayedun and Ipao Ekiti.
During the operation, police arrested three suspects identified as Abubakar Umaru, 20, of Ilasa Ekiti; Usman Haruna, 21, also of Ilasa Ekiti; and Shehu Abubakar, 25, of Oke Ayedun Ekiti.
The two stolen cows were successfully recovered, while another suspect identified as Adamu Musa of Oke Ayedun Ekiti escaped and remains at large. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect as investigations continue.
In a separate operation, police operatives foiled an armed robbery attack in Ado-Ekiti after engaging suspected robbers in a gun battle during a response to a distress call.
The incident occurred at about 3:42 a.m. on July 24 following reports that armed robbers were attacking residents at Elemi Housing Estate and Joy Highland Avenue along the Ado–Afao Road.
The Divisional Police Officer of Oke-Ila Division led a team of officers to the scene, where the suspects reportedly opened fire upon sighting the police. Officers responded with superior firepower, leaving one suspect with gunshot wounds while other members of the gang fled the area.
Investigations revealed that the robbers had earlier overpowered and tied up a private security guard, Samuel, 31, attached to the residence of Hon. Femi Fatunla, before seizing his locally made barrel gun, which they allegedly used during the robbery.
Police identified the injured suspect as Tosin, who was rushed to the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, under police guard. Preliminary investigations further revealed that Ojo David, a former security guard at the residence, allegedly masterminded the robbery.
The gang reportedly carted away valuables, including two iPhone 12 devices, an Infinix phone, a Redmi phone, two power banks, a laptop, an iPad, wristwatches and assorted jewellery valued at approximately ₦3.38 million from Hon. Fatunla’s residence. Another victim, Ife Udoh, 26, was also robbed of a mobile phone valued at ₦230,000.
Following the operation, police recovered the locally made barrel gun bearing serial number HQ 07 belonging to the Civilian Agbekoya Security outfit, a mobile phone belonging to Deborah Langtan, 20, and the Redmi phone belonging to the security guard.
The Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) has commenced a full-scale investigation, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the robbery gang.
