Ekiti Police Arrest Armed Robbery Suspect, Recover Stolen Motorcycles, Firearm After Forest Gun Battle

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of an armed robbery gang, recovered two stolen motorcycles and a locally made firearm following a gun battle with fleeing hoodlums in a forest along Ayegunle Road, Ilogbo-Ekiti.

The operation came after a robbery attack on two residents of Ilokun community in Ado-Ekiti during which the victims were dispossessed of cash, electronic gadgets, jewellery and motorcycles.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, the robbery occurred at about 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026, when four armed hoodlums invaded the community.

The suspects reportedly robbed the victims at gunpoint, making away with four mobile phones, two laptop computers, assorted jewellery, N8 million in cash, one Boxer Bajaj motorcycle and one TVS motorcycle.

Following the incident, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), working in collaboration with officers from the Ijero Divisional Police Headquarters, launched an intelligence-led investigation that traced the suspects to a forest hideout along Ayegunle Road in Ilogbo-Ekiti.

The command said the suspects opened fire on the police team upon sighting the operatives, resulting in a gun duel.

However, the operatives overpowered the hoodlums, forcing them to flee deeper into the forest while abandoning some of the stolen items.

A search of the area led to the recovery of one locally made single-barrel gun, SIM cards removed from the victims' stolen mobile phones and the two stolen motorcycles.

Police also arrested one suspect, Abdusalam Olalekan Ibrahim, who, according to the command, confessed to participating in the robbery during interrogation and identified four other members of the gang who remain at large.

The operation was not without casualties, as one police officer sustained a gunshot injury during the exchange of fire and is currently receiving medical treatment.

The Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, has directed operatives to intensify combing operations in the forest to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining stolen property as well as any additional weapons in their possession.

He commended the operatives for their bravery, professionalism and resilience during the operation, assuring residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring all those involved in the robbery are brought to justice.