By Ayo Kehinde
The Police Command in Oyo State has intercepted materials suspected to be explosive devices in Saki, Oke Ogun area of the state, and arrested the driver conveying the items.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, on Sunday said the interception occurred during a stop-and-search operation, following credible intelligence.
According to him, the truck conveying the suspected devices was immediately secured and taken into police custody alongside the materials, while the driver was arrested and is currently cooperating with investigators.
“Upon being briefed on the development, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter”, Ayanlade said.
He added that operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Unit were deployed to safely secure the items for forensic examination, while detailed investigations are ongoing to determine their exact nature and intended use.
Meanwhile, the command also foiled a kidnap attempt in Olorunda Village, Ojongbodu area of Oyo West Local Government Area, rescuing a victim, Haruna Lawal, who sustained a head injury during the ordeal.
Ayanlade said the police received a distress call at about 2:10 a.m. on January 24, 2026, reporting that armed suspects had invaded a residence and abducted Lawal, fleeing with his motorcycle.
“Operatives were immediately deployed to the area and commenced an aggressive bush-combing operation”, he said, adding that the suspects abandoned the victim and fled upon realising that security forces were closing in on them.
Lawal was rescued alive and rushed to the General Hospital in Oyo town, where he is receiving medical attention.
The police spokesperson said the successful operations underscored the command’s professionalism and resolve to protect lives and property, assuring residents that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, while CP Haruna commended the gallant officers involved and thanked the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his leadership and support.
