The Oyo State Police Command has effectively broken up a transnational ammunition trafficking operation, leading to the arrest of two suspects in Budo Mosalasi, Saki.
A statement released on Friday, February 27, 2026, by the Command's spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, detailed that the apprehended individuals, identified as Isiaka Dare, 35, and Taiwo Ayodabo, 33, were reportedly involved in smuggling arms from the Benin Republic into Nigeria.
According to the Deputy Superintendent of Police, the arrests were made during a well-coordinated intelligence-led operation by the monitoring unit at Saki Operation Base.
Law enforcement recovered 105 packets of pump-action cartridges hidden within four jerry cans, containing 25 cartridges each, totaling 2,625 cartridges, alongside two motorcycles without licenses.
“The Oyo State Police Command announces a significant operational success in their ongoing efforts to combat the spread of illegal firearms and ammunition, a major factor contributing to violent crimes in the state and surrounding areas,” the statement declared.
“In line with this initiative, the personnel from the Command Monitoring Unit at Saki Operation Base carried out a tactical intelligence-driven operation based on credible leads, which culminated in the capture of two suspected international arms traffickers.
“The suspects, who both reside in Tede, were apprehended at Budo Mosalasi, Saki. Investigative work has indicated their operation spans international borders, illegally bringing contraband ammunition from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria through unauthorized routes.
“This criminal activity entails the covert importation and distribution of illegal ammunition to unauthorized individuals, which poses a severe risk of being utilized in armed robberies, bandit activities, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.
“Supporting this intelligence, operatives retrieved a total of 105 packets of pump-action cartridges concealed within four jerry cans, each holding 25 cartridges, summing up to 2,625 cartridges.
“Additionally, two unregistered motorcycles believed to have been utilized for the illicit transport and distribution of the ammunition were also seized.
“The suspects have admitted to their involvement and are currently assisting investigators in uncovering a broader transnational network and identifying additional accomplices in this illegal operation.
“As a result of these developments, Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, has instructed that the suspects be brought to court after a comprehensive investigation is completed.
The Commissioner applauded the professionalism and accuracy displayed during the intelligence-led operation, highlighting that proactive policing and reliable intelligence are essential in dismantling such organized crime syndicates.
He also extended gratitude to the public for their timely and credible information which aided this significant breakthrough, underlining the value of community partnerships in the ongoing battle against violent crime.
Additionally, he reassured the public that the Oyo State Police Command will continue to take all necessary actions to ensure the state does not become a refuge for criminal activity.
The Command has urged the public to maintain vigilance and to continue providing valuable information as they ramp up efforts to eliminate the threat posed by illegal arms and ammunition proliferation.
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!