The Kwara State Police Command has arrested three suspected criminals allegedly involved in vandalising government-installed solar streetlights and carrying out armed robbery-related activities along the Asa Dam/Dangote Road axis in Ilorin metropolis.
The arrests were made by operatives of the newly created Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) during an intelligence-led operation carried out in the early hours of Tuesday around the Tanke area of Ilorin.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the operation followed sustained surveillance and credible intelligence gathered after residents raised concerns over increasing criminal activities in the area.
The police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects belonged to a wider criminal syndicate allegedly responsible for several offences across strategic parts of Ilorin metropolis.
Items recovered from the suspects included two locally-made pistols, pliers believed to have been used for vandalism, and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
The statement added that efforts were ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and those receiving stolen items from the group.
The operation, according to the Command, was in line with the strategic policing initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at strengthening intelligence-led policing and proactive crime prevention across the country.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, commended the VCRU operatives for what he described as “intelligence-driven and proactive operations.”
He said the success of the operation reflected the Command’s commitment to maintaining constant surveillance in identified flashpoints and ensuring the safety of residents.
The police commissioner also reassured residents that the Command would not allow criminal elements to operate freely in any part of the state.
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