The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspected illegal ammunition traffickers and recovered 2,625 cartridges in a major operation targeting the proliferation of arms in the state.
In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Saki Operation Base, acted on credible intelligence to carry out a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of two suspected international gun runners.
The suspects, identified as Isiaka Dare and Taiwo Ayodabo, both from Tede, were apprehended at Budo Mosalasi in Saki.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly trafficked ammunition from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria through illegal border routes.
“Their criminal enterprise involves the clandestine importation and distribution of prohibited ammunition to unauthorized individuals within the country. Such arms and ammunition could be used for armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes,” the statement said.
Police said operatives recovered 105 packets of pump-action cartridges concealed inside four jerry cans. Each packet contained 25 cartridges, bringing the total number of recovered ammunition to 2,625.
Following the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, directed that the suspects be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner commended the professionalism and precision of the intelligence-led operation, noting that proactive policing remains vital in dismantling organized criminal networks.
He also expressed appreciation to members of the public whose timely and credible information aided the operation, stressing that community partnership is essential in combating violent crime.
The Command reassured residents that it remains committed to ensuring that Oyo State does not become a haven for criminal activities and urged the public to continue providing useful information to security agencies.
