IBADAN, NIGERIA — The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the unlawful possession of live cartridges, in what authorities described as a successful disruption of an illegal ammunition trafficking operation in the state.
The suspects, identified as Ganiyu Sodiq and Salaudeen Sheriff, were reportedly apprehended while in possession of 250 live cartridges during a routine security operation carried out by operatives of the command.
According to police sources, the arrest followed intelligence-led surveillance aimed at curbing the circulation of illegal arms and ammunition within Oyo State and its environs, amid ongoing efforts to strengthen internal security.
The cartridges were allegedly concealed in a manner suspected to evade detection, raising concerns among security agencies about the potential use of such materials for criminal activities including armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent offences.
The police said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the ammunition, the intended recipients, and whether the suspects are part of a wider criminal network involved in arms trafficking.
Authorities noted that the interception underscores the importance of sustained intelligence gathering and community cooperation in preventing the proliferation of illegal weapons, which continues to pose a threat to public safety in several parts of the country.
The Oyo State Police Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring residents that efforts are being intensified to dismantle criminal networks and prevent the circulation of prohibited items.
Security experts have long warned that the availability of illegal firearms and ammunition contributes significantly to rising cases of violent crime, particularly in regions experiencing banditry and kidnapping incidents.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court upon completion of investigations, as police continue to probe possible connections to larger arms supply chains operating within and outside the state.
Meanwhile, residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to enhance safety and security across the state.
