The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected cattle rustlers, Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello, in Iresa-Adu, Surulere Local Government Area of Oyo State, recovering 26 stolen cows valued at about ₦6.25 million.
The arrest comes amid growing security concerns in the state, following the recent killing of forest guards by suspected assailants in Oloka community.
In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Command said operatives of the Iresa-Adu Police Division acted swiftly after receiving intelligence from residents, leading to the arrest of the suspects and recovery of the livestock.
“The Oyo State Police Command wishes to inform the public that two suspected cattle rustlers, Abu Muhammed and Aliu Bello, have been apprehended following a prompt response to a report received at the Iresa-Adu Division,” the statement read.
“During the operation, twenty-six stolen cows, estimated at ₦6,250,000, were successfully recovered, reflecting the tangible results of coordinated police and community efforts in protecting property and livelihoods.”
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were intercepted while attempting to conceal the stolen cattle at Odojaye, via Aganyan, Iresa-Adu.
DSP Alayande added that the suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation and provided information on their criminal network.
“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the theft and gave useful details of other members of the syndicate. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects and recover additional livestock believed to have been stolen by the group,” he said.
The Command noted that the operation was made possible through intelligence-led policing and collaboration with local community security structures.
“The operation underscores the effectiveness of proactive policing, intelligence-driven investigations, and collaboration with community security agencies in tackling criminal activities,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, residents of Iresa-Adu, a major border town in Surulere Local Government Area, have renewed concerns over the security situation in the area, citing the prolonged absence of a first-class traditional ruler, the Aresa of Iresa-Adu, whose throne has remained vacant for almost nine years.
Iresa-Adu, which shares boundaries with Kwara and Osun states, oversees several towns and villages. Residents fear the leadership vacuum has weakened coordination among border communities, particularly as neighbouring Kwara State has recorded increasing cases of banditry and kidnapping in recent months.
Aganyan, where the suspects were intercepted, is a village close to the Iresa-Adu central township and lies about 15 minutes from Ogbomoso.
Some residents described the Aresa of Iresa-Adu as a foremost monarch in Yoruba history and culture, traditionally responsible for uniting border communities and supporting government security efforts.
They have therefore called on the Oyo State Government to urgently resolve the lingering chieftaincy dispute and install a substantive Aresa, which they believe would strengthen collaboration between traditional institutions, security agencies and the state government in curbing criminal activities.
The Police Command reiterated that investigations are ongoing and assured the public of its commitment to bringing all members of the syndicate to justice.
