Kwara police uncover gun-running link, recover AK-47 rifles, ammunition
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Police operatives in Kwara State have intercepted a commercial vehicle in Ilorin, recovering two serviceable AK-47 rifles, three magazines and 42 rounds of live ammunition, while uncovering a suspected gun-running network linked to the weapons.
The operation was carried out during a stop-and-search exercise along the Alapa-Okolowo axis of Ilorin, where the firearms and ammunition were found inside a bag in the vehicle.
The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adetoun Ejire Adeyemi, on Monday in Ilorin.
According to the statement, a 30-year-old suspect, Umaru M., initially denied ownership of the bag containing the firearms and ammunition.
However, further investigation led to a breakthrough after the suspect allegedly admitted to conveying the weapons and ammunition to another person.
The police said Umaru also provided information linking the recovered weapons to another suspected member of a gun-running network identified as Dan Yarubawa, who allegedly gave him the firearms for onward delivery to an individual identified as Dahiru outside Kwara State.
The command said efforts had been intensified to apprehend the other persons linked to the investigation and determine the full extent of the suspected gun-running network.
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to provide credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt threats to public safety.
