The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a notorious gunrunner and local arms fabricator accused of supplying weapons to criminal gangs operating across Ondo, Osun, Edo, Kogi, and Kwara states. The command’s spokesperson, SP Olushola Ayanlade, disclosed the arrest during a media briefing in Akure.
The breakthrough followed a robbery incident in Irele Local Government Area, where armed men dispossessed a woman of her TVS motorcycle, ₦250,000 in cash, and other belongings. Swift police intervention led to the arrest of one suspect who sustained gunshot injuries, while two others were later tracked down to a hotel in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area.
Further investigations exposed the syndicate’s link to a well-known gun supplier who had been on the police watchlist. The suspect allegedly ran a wide-reaching arms distribution network that fueled crimes in multiple states. So far, four suspects have been charged to court for offences including armed robbery and attempted murder, while efforts continue to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
Commissioner of Police Adebowale Lawal commended the operatives for their swift action and assured residents that the command remains determined to crush criminal networks. He also urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible information, stressing that such tips would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
