The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a truck driver following the interception of a consignment of suspected explosive devices concealed in 40 bags along a major highway in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP ___, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ibadan on Monday, saying the arrest was made during a routine stop-and-search operation by operatives of the command.

According to him, the suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending the conclusion of investigations, was apprehended while conveying the consignment in a truck from an undisclosed location to another destination within the South-West region.

“Acting on credible intelligence, our officers intercepted the truck and conducted a thorough search, which led to the discovery of 40 bags containing items suspected to be explosive devices,” the police commissioner said.

He explained that preliminary findings suggested the materials could pose a serious threat to public safety if allowed to reach their intended destination.

The police boss said the suspect was immediately taken into custody, while the recovered items were secured and transferred to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit for professional examination and safe handling.

He added that the command had commenced a full-scale investigation to determine:

• The exact nature of the explosive devices

• Their source and intended destination

• Possible links to criminal or terrorist networks

“We are not ruling out any possibilities. All necessary steps are being taken to uncover the sponsors and collaborators behind this dangerous operation,” he said.

The commissioner reassured residents of Oyo State that the situation was under control, urging members of the public to remain calm and go about their lawful activities without fear.

He further called on citizens to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could help prevent crimes.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge residents to report suspicious movements, objects or persons to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines,” he added.

The arrest comes amid heightened security measures across the country following concerns over the illegal movement of arms and explosive materials.

The police command reiterated its commitment to sustaining proactive policing strategies to safeguard lives and property in the state.