Oyo police apprehend suspected illegal ammunition traffickers
Naija News • 2d ago
**Gun Runners Busted in Oyo: 2,625 Cartridges Recovered**
Gun violence has become a growing concern in Nigeria, with states like Oyo not immune to the scourge. Recently, the Oyo State Police Command made a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms trafficking. In a coordinated operation, operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit apprehended two suspected international gun runners, Isiaka Dare and Taiwo Ayodabo, at Budo Mosalasi in Saki.
According to the Police Commissioner, Femi Haruna, the suspects were part of a transnational network that trafficked ammunition from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria through unauthorized border routes. Their alleged criminal enterprise involved the importation and distribution of prohibited ammunition to unauthorized individuals, which could be used for violent crimes such as armed robbery, banditry, and kidnapping.
In a remarkable operation, the Police recovered 2,625 cartridges of pump-action ammunition hidden in four jerry cans. Two unregistered motorcycles believed to have been used for the transportation and distribution of the ammunition were also seized. The suspects have confessed to the crime and are assisting investigators in unraveling the wider network of accomplices involved in the illicit trade.
The Police Commissioner commended the professionalism and precision of the operation, emphasizing the importance of proactive policing and community partnership in dismantling organized criminal networks. He reassured residents that the Oyo State Police Command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the state remains safe and secure.
The recovery of 2,625 cartridges is a significant blow to the illicit arms trade in Oyo State. As the Police intensify their efforts to rid the state of illegal arms proliferation and its attendant security threats, the public is urged to remain vigilant and provide useful information to aid the investigation. This is a reminder that the fight against crime is a collective effort that requires the active participation of everyone in the community.