Two arrested as police recover 2,625 live cartridges in Oyo
By Adejayan Gbenga
The Oyo State Police Command has recovered 2,625 live cartridges and arrested two suspected members of a transnational ammunition trafficking syndicate in Saki, Oyo State.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that the feat was achieved during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit.
Western Post confirmed the arrest of two suspects named Isiaka Dare (35) and Taiwo Ayodabo (33).
According to preliminary investigations, the suspects, who are both natives of Tede community, allegedly belong to an international gun-running network that is involved in smuggling ammunition from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria through illegal border routes.
Police authorities further revealed that the ammunition gotten by the duo was gotten for unauthorised distribution to individuals and criminal elements, thereby posing significant threats to public safety.
Other exhibits recovered from the suspects include 105 packets of pump-action cartridges, and two unregistered motorcycles.
Reacting to the situation, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, directed that the suspects be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, while equally commending the operatives for their professionalism, stressing that intelligence-driven policing remains central to dismantling organised criminal networks.
He also appreciated members of the public for providing timely information that aided the operation while urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperative.
