Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a father and his teenage son following the recovery of a locally made firearm during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Sagamu–Ogijo corridor in Ogun State.
The incident, which has sparked concern among residents and security observers, occurred during a targeted patrol by officers of the Quick Response Squad deployed to enhance safety and curb criminal activities along major highways in the state.
According to police authorities, the operation was carried out in the Lafarge area of the Sagamu–Ogijo axis, a busy route often subjected to intensified surveillance due to its strategic importance as a link between Lagos and other parts of the country.
During the exercise, officers stopped a commercial tricycle carrying a 13 year old boy. A search conducted on the minor reportedly led to the discovery of a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and a face covering item.
Security officials said the discovery immediately raised suspicion, prompting further questioning and preliminary investigation at the scene. The teenager was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for the possession of the weapon and related items.
Police sources disclosed that during initial interrogation, the boy claimed that the firearm belonged to his father, a statement that prompted officers to widen the scope of the investigation.
Acting on the information provided, operatives launched a follow up operation which led to the arrest of the father at a separate location within the same general area.
Both suspects were subsequently taken into custody and transferred to the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department for detailed interrogation and forensic examination of the recovered items.
The police command confirmed that the firearm and other exhibits have been retained as evidence while investigations continue to determine the origin of the weapon, its intended use, and whether the suspects are linked to any criminal network.
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, while confirming the arrest, stated that the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to rid the state of illegal firearms and enhance public safety across communities and major transport routes.
He explained that stop-and-search operations remain a critical component of policing strategy, especially in areas identified as high risk due to frequent movement of commuters and commercial activities.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State commended the officers involved in the operation for what he described as vigilance, professionalism, and adherence to operational procedures during the exercise.
He reiterated that the command maintains a strict zero tolerance policy toward illegal possession of firearms, warning that anyone found violating such laws would be prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian criminal statutes.
The police also urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information that could assist law enforcement agencies in preventing crime and identifying suspects.
Residents were encouraged to remain alert and report suspicious behaviour to the nearest police station, emphasizing that community participation plays a vital role in strengthening security across the state.
Security analysts have noted that Ogun State, due to its proximity to Lagos and its position as a major transit corridor, often experiences heightened security challenges that require sustained patrols and intelligence driven policing.
Experts say that the increasing use of stop-and-search operations along major highways has helped security agencies intercept illegal arms, prevent armed robbery incidents, and disrupt criminal movements across the region.
They also stress that incidents involving minors in criminal investigations highlight the need for stronger community engagement, parental supervision, and youth focused intervention programmes aimed at preventing early involvement in crime.
The arrest has generated concern among residents who are calling for deeper investigation into how the firearm came into the possession of the suspects, as well as whether other individuals may be involved in supplying illegal weapons within the area.
Meanwhile, the police command assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that appropriate legal action will be taken once all facts surrounding the case are fully established.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining intensified patrols across highways, residential areas, and identified flashpoints in order to maintain peace and order in Ogun State.
The command further emphasized that collaboration between security agencies and local communities remains essential in tackling the spread of illegal arms and reducing violent crime across the state.
As investigations continue, the case is expected to shed more light on possible arms circulation networks operating within the region and reinforce ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security.
