Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The Oyo State Police Command has announced the dismantling of what it described as a global ammunition smuggling syndicate operating through the Oke Ogun axis of the state, following the arrest of two suspected international arms traffickers and the seizure of thousands of cartridges.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade Olayinka, officers attached to the Command Monitoring Unit at the Saki Operation Base acted on what was described as credible and actionable intelligence to launch a coordinated operation in Budo Mosalasi, Saki. The raid led to the arrest of two suspects identified as 35-year-old Isiaka Dare and 33-year-old Taiwo Ayodabo, both natives of Tede Town in Oyo State.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were involved in cross-border trafficking of ammunition from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria through unauthorized routes. Investigators allege that the group specialized in the covert importation and distribution of prohibited cartridges to unauthorized individuals within the country, raising concerns that the supplies could be diverted for use in armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes.
During the operation, officers reportedly recovered 105 packets of pump-action shotgun cartridges concealed inside four plastic jerry cans. Each packet contained 25 cartridges, bringing the total number seized to 2,625 rounds. Police described the concealment method as a deliberate attempt to evade routine security checks along transport corridors.
Two unregistered motorcycles were also recovered at the scene. Authorities believe the vehicles were used to transport and distribute the ammunition across rural communities in Oke Ogun and possibly beyond. The police stated that the suspects have made confessional statements and are assisting investigators in identifying other members of the alleged network and mapping its broader operational structure.
The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, directed that the suspects be charged to court upon the conclusion of a comprehensive investigation. He commended the Command Monitoring Unit for what he termed a professional, intelligence-driven operation and emphasized the role of proactive policing in disrupting organized criminal enterprises before they mature into larger security threats.
Security analysts note that Oyo State’s proximity to international borders, combined with porous crossing points between Nigeria and the Republic of Benin, has historically presented challenges for law enforcement agencies seeking to curb the flow of illicit arms. The Oke Ogun region, which shares geographic and commercial ties with border communities, has been flagged in past security briefings as a corridor vulnerable to smuggling activities.
Stone Reporters note that the seizure of more than 2,600 cartridges represents a significant disruption to what authorities describe as an illicit supply chain capable of fueling criminal activity across multiple states. The development comes amid sustained national efforts to reduce the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which security experts link to persistent insecurity in parts of the country.
The police command expressed appreciation to members of the public whose information contributed to the success of the operation, reiterating that community-based intelligence remains critical in combating arms trafficking and related crimes. Commissioner Haruna assured residents that the command would intensify surveillance, border monitoring and intelligence gathering to prevent Oyo State from becoming a transit hub for illegal weapons.
Authorities urged citizens to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information, underscoring that dismantling cross-border smuggling networks requires sustained collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. Investigations into the alleged international syndicate are ongoing, with further arrests not ruled out.
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