Gunrunner supplying criminal gangs in five states arrested in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a notorious gunrunner accused of supplying weapons to criminal gangs across Ondo, Osun, Kogi, Edo, and Kwara States.

The development was confirmed in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka Olushola, who signed on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal.

According to the statement, the arrest followed a case of armed robbery in Irele where a female victim was dispossessed of a motorcycle, ₦250,000 and other valuables before being shot in the leg. Swift police action led to the arrest of one suspect in Irele and two others at a hotel in Ore.

According to the police, investigations later uncovered the activities of the gunrunner, who had long been on the Command’s watchlist.

The suspect was identified as a local arms fabricator with a wide network of criminal clients.

The Command said four suspects linked to the robbery have already been arraigned in court on charges of armed robbery and attempted murder, while efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing accomplices and collaborators.

“There will be no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State. We shall continue to pursue them, dismantle their networks, and ensure that peace and security prevail across every community,” CP Lawal was quoted as saying.

The Command urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by volunteering credible information, assuring that all details provided would be treated with confidentiality.