Oyo Police Dismantle Transnational Ammunition Trafficking Syndicate, Recover 2,625 Cartridges
…As two suspects arrested in Saki as operatives intercept illegal shipment from Benin Republic.
The Oyo State Police Command has clampdown on the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition with the arrest of two suspected international gun runners and the recovery of 2,625 cartridges.
The statement was released and signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer,
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka
Police Public Relations Officer, said that the Command, operatives of the Monitoring Unit, Saki Operation Base, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a coordinated, intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of the suspects at Budo Mosalasi, Saki.
The suspects, identified as Isiaka Dare, 35, and Taiwo Ayodabo, 33, both residents of Tede, were apprehended in connection with transnational ammunition trafficking.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly trafficked ammunition from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria through unauthorized border routes.
The illicit operation reportedly involved the importation and distribution of prohibited ammunition to unauthorized individuals, with potential links to armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes.
Police recovered 105 packets of pump-action cartridges concealed inside four jerry cans. Each packet contained 25 cartridges, bringing the total to 2,625 cartridges.
Two unregistered motorcycles allegedly used for transporting the ammunition were also seized.
The suspects have reportedly confessed and are assisting investigators in uncovering the wider transnational network and identifying other accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, has directed that the suspects be charged to court upon the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation.
He commended the professionalism of the operatives involved, emphasizing that intelligence-led policing remains vital in dismantling organized criminal networks.
The Command expressed appreciation to members of the public whose timely information aided the operation and reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Oyo State remains inhospitable to criminal elements.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
