The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects allegedly caught with 250 live cartridges in a major breakthrough against the illegal arms trade in the state.
The suspects, identified as Ganiyu Sodiq, 35, and Salaudeen Sheriff, 23, both residents of Komu, were apprehended following intelligence-led operations by police operatives.
Spokesperson of the Command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued to journalists in Ibadan on Thursday.
According to him, the suspects were arrested on June 10, 2026, at Budo Pako, Oke-Oyan, after credible intelligence and sustained surveillance by security operatives.
During the operation, police recovered 250 live cartridges from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo could not provide any lawful explanation for possessing the ammunition.
Further findings by investigators indicated that the suspects may be linked to the illegal trafficking and supply of ammunition to criminal elements operating within and outside Oyo State.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to unravel the wider network behind the illegal operation, identify accomplices and trace both the source and intended destination of the recovered cartridges.
The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid the state of illegal arms and ammunition.
He described the proliferation of weapons as a major driver of violent crimes and assured residents that the police would continue to deploy all lawful means to track down and prosecute criminals.
The police boss also appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible and timely information.
According to him, community partnership remains a critical weapon in the fight against crime and criminality across the state.
