A two-man robbery gang that has been terrorising parts of Ibadan met their end on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, after a fierce gun duel with police officers in the Imalefalafia area, near Tribune House.

According to eyewitnesses, the gang had earlier attacked a Muslim cleric, popularly known as Alfa, who was carrying motorcycle parts in a sack. The suspects allegedly mistook the sack for cash, shot him, and fled on a motorcycle.

The robbers then proceeded to Imalefalafia, where they pretended to inflate their tyres at a vulcaniser’s shop while one of them tried to engage a female POS operator. Residents in the area quickly alerted the police at Iyaganku, who laid an ambush for the criminals.

On sighting the officers, one of the suspects opened fire, injuring a policeman. The police returned fire, with help from bystanders, and managed to overpower the criminals. One of the robbers, who was found with a backpack containing a pistol, cartridges, charms, and cash, was fatally shot, while his motorcycle rider was captured alive.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that the deceased suspect was a notorious gang leader believed to have been involved in previous deadly robberies in the city.

A resident, Seye Adeniyi, narrated:

“I suspect this same gang killed my friend some time ago. Today, I was around Ring Road when I heard gunshots. We later discovered that they had attacked a man carrying motorcycle parts. People mobilised and rushed him to the hospital while the police tracked the robbers to Imalefalafia. That was where the shootout happened, and one robber was killed.”

Another resident, Olusesi Olusola, confirmed he helped rush the injured policeman to a nearby clinic, adding that the robber “really gave a fight” before being subdued.

A senior police officer, who confirmed the incident, revealed that the surviving suspect is currently receiving treatment under police watch. He expressed hope that the arrest would help unravel more details about the gang’s operations.

“The police have been on the trail of this gang, which has been responsible for several robberies in the area. Hopefully, this success will put an end to their raids in Ibadan South-West and surrounding communities,” the officer said.