Police arrest suspected serial burglar in Ibadan, recover N16.22 million of stolen goods

The Oyo State Police Command announced on Sunday that a man identified as Nasiru Abiodun was taken into custody on Saturday, October 31, 2026, after allegedly breaking into four residential apartments in the capital city of Ibadan. The suspect was stopped at about 9:45 a.m. in a residential building in the Ejiooku/Iyana Offa area, a neighbourhood that has seen a spate of burglaries in recent weeks. Police say the items recovered from the man’s sack, house cables, mobile phones, motorcycle batteries and other valuables, total roughly N3 million, while the overall loss across the four incidents is estimated at N16.22 million.

DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the arrest came after residents of Oyewole Zone 2, Ile‑Igbon, reported suspicious activity to the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit. “Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, admitting to having burgled four different residential apartments within the area, carting away house cables, mobile phones, motorcycle batteries and other household valuables,” the statement released by the police read. The confession, coupled with the physical evidence found in the suspect’s possession, formed the basis for the charge of serial burglary.

Following the arrest, police operatives visited each of the affected apartments to gather further details about the break‑ins. Investigators are working to piece together the timeline of each incident, determine whether any other accomplices were involved, and locate the remaining stolen items that have not yet been recovered. The command emphasized that the recovery of the N3 million worth of property from the suspect’s sack represents only part of the total loss, and that ongoing efforts aim to retrieve the rest of the N16.22 million in valuables.

Commissioner of Police for Oyo State, Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, reiterated the police force’s dedication to combating crime through intelligence‑led operations and community cooperation. He urged residents of Ejiooku, Iyana Offa, Ile‑Igbon and neighbouring districts to report any suspicious activity promptly, either at the nearest police station or directly to the Maku Base of the Violent Crime Response Unit. “Information from affected residents will assist the ongoing investigation and facilitate the recovery of additional stolen property,” the commissioner said in a briefing. He also called on citizens to stay vigilant and provide credible tips that could help prevent future burglaries.

The recent arrest of Abiodun comes amid a series of high‑profile security actions by the Oyo State Police. Earlier in October, the command disclosed the capture of three suspected armed robbers, Sunday Obasola, 29; Kayode Bamikole, 28; and Durodoye Ayobami, 23, after a distress call at Sumal Junction Roundabout led patrol officers to seize a locally made pistol, a live cartridge and a motorcycle. Those arrests, reported on October 8, 2026, highlighted the unit’s rapid response to armed threats and show a broader strategy to curb violent crime in the region.

Community leaders in Ibadan have welcomed the police’s swift action, noting that repeated burglaries have left many families anxious about the security of their homes. “When thieves target multiple apartments in the same area, it creates a climate of fear that ripples through the whole neighbourhood,” said a spokesperson for a local residents’ association, who asked not to be identified. The association is now coordinating with the police to disseminate safety tips and to set up a neighborhood watch that can act as an early warning system for suspicious activity.

Security experts point out that the theft of house cables and other infrastructure components can have wider repercussions beyond the immediate financial loss. Cables are often essential for electricity supply and telecommunications, and their removal can disrupt services for other households. By targeting such items, burglars not only profit from resale but also create additional inconvenience for the broader community. The Oyo State Police’s focus on recovering these specific assets reflects an understanding of the indirect damage caused by such crimes.

While the police continue to track down any remaining stolen property, they have also launched a public appeal for anyone who may have purchased or received goods that could be linked to the burglaries. Individuals who suspect they might be in possession of items originating from the recent break‑ins are encouraged to come forward, as the investigation could benefit from any leads about the distribution network for stolen goods. The command has assured that anyone providing information will be treated with confidentiality and will not face retaliation.

As the investigation proceeds, the Oyo State Police Command plans to increase patrols in the affected neighbourhoods and to deploy additional resources to the Violent Crime Response Unit. The aim is to deter further incidents and to reassure residents that law‑enforcement agencies are actively addressing the threat. The command’s statement concluded by affirming that the police will remain “vigilant and proactive” in safeguarding the lives and property of Ibadan’s citizens.

The next steps include a detailed forensic review of the recovered items, continued interviews with victims and witnesses, and coordination with other law‑enforcement agencies to trace any larger criminal networks that may be operating in the state. Residents are advised to keep their doors and windows locked, to install adequate lighting where possible, and to report any unusual activity without delay. The police have pledged to keep the public informed as the case develops and to bring all perpetrators to justice.