Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abeokuta, Ogun State — Police operatives in Ogun State have arrested a 38‑year‑old man and his 13‑year‑old son in connection with illegal possession of a firearm, live ammunition and related items in what authorities describe as part of sustained efforts to reduce the flow of illegal weapons and enhance public safety across the state.
The arrest, conducted by the Quick Response Squad (QRS) of the Ogun State Police Command, occurred on Sunday, 5 April 2026, along the busy Shagamu/Ogijo Road axis during a stop‑and‑search duty. According to police authorities, officers intercepted a tricycle carrying the younger suspect, later identified as the 13‑year‑old boy. During a search of the vehicle, which was stopped at the Lafarge area, operatives discovered a locally made pistol, one live cartridge and a mask. The teenage suspect could not provide a satisfactory explanation for possessing the items and claimed the firearm belonged to his father.
Following the teenager’s statement, police intensified their investigation, leading to the arrest of his father, 38‑year‑old Joseph Kehinde. Both men were taken into custody along with the firearm, ammunition and other exhibits, then transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further interrogation and forensic analysis. Police confirmed that the probe is ongoing, with the case poised for court charges upon completion of investigations.
This incident forms part of a broader pattern of enforcement activities by the Ogun State Police Command aimed at tackling illegal weapons, cultism, armed robbery and other violent crime within the state. Police officials have repeatedly stated a zero‑tolerance position toward unlawful possession of firearms and related offences, underscoring the link between illegal arms proliferation and insecurity in the region.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, commended the diligence and professionalism of the QRS officers involved in the arrest, emphasising that proactive policing and public cooperation are central to dismantling unlawful networks supplying or using illegal weapons. CP Ojajuni reiterated that the command will continue to maintain robust operational posture to ensure residents’ safety and security.
Authorities have encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities via provided emergency contact channels, including the Gateway Shield toll‑free line and other dedicated police emergency numbers. Public cooperation, according to police, has been instrumental in recent enforcement successes.
This operation comes alongside other recent police campaigns in Ogun State and neighbouring regions. For example, the Ogun police in early April executed another proactive exercise under “Operation No Traffic Gridlock” in Ifo, leading to multiple arrests aimed at preserving public order and roadway access. Such operations reflect a broader strategy by the command to address petty crime and disruptions that affect daily life and community confidence in law enforcement.
Beyond Ogun, police forces across Nigeria have been increasingly active in coordinated crime‑fighting missions in recent months. In Oyo State, for instance, a joint security team arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper following intelligence from community members and recovered an AK‑47 rifle with ammunition, highlighting the continued threat posed by armed criminal networks. The suspect in that case, identified as an individual moving with other armed men across forested areas, was taken into custody and is now under further investigation. These operations demonstrate the wide range of tactics being used across the southwest to stem violence involving illegal firearms and organised crime.
Policing authorities nationwide have maintained that intelligence‑led operations, coupled with increased community participation and credible tip‑offs, remain critical to curbing the supply and misuse of illegal weapons. Nigeria’s broader security environment has been characterised by persistent challenges associated with illegal arms trafficking, armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping and other violent offences. Law enforcement agencies have responded with more frequent patrols, investigations and joint operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and retrieving dangerous weapons before they can be used to harm civilians.
Nevertheless, persistent gaps in prosecution, judicial follow‑through and community trust continue to complicate efforts to completely disrupt unlawful firearm possession and related crime. Human rights organisations and civil society groups have repeatedly called for balanced enforcement that respects citizens’ rights while pursuing public safety.
In Ogun State, the recent arrest of the father and son involving a locally made firearm underscores the complex challenge of illegal weapon proliferation at the grassroots level, as well as the importance of sustained police vigilance. The case now proceeds through formal investigative channels, with authorities assuring that all legal processes will be followed as the suspects face potential prosecution.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments