The Oyo State Police Command has successfully dismantled a transnational ammunition trafficking network, marking a significant operational breakthrough in the state’s fight against illegal arms proliferation.
Two suspected arms traffickers, identified as Isiaka Dare, 35, and Taiwo Ayodabo, 33, were arrested at Budo Mosalasi, Saki, following a precision-driven, intelligence-led operation by the Oyo police.
DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson for the command, disclosed in a statement on Friday, February 27, 2026, that the suspects are natives of Tede and are alleged to have been moving large quantities of ammunition from the Benin Republic into Nigeria through unauthorized border routes.
According to preliminary investigations, their criminal operations were highly organized and spanned international borders, supplying prohibited arms to unauthorized individuals across the country.
Operatives of the Command Monitoring Unit, Saki Operation Base, carried out the arrest after receiving credible and actionable intelligence about the illegal activities.
“This operation is part of our sustained efforts to tackle the proliferation of illegal weapons, which are directly linked to violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and banditry in the state and neighboring regions,” DSP Olayinka stated.
During the operation, officers recovered 105 packets of pump-action cartridges, each concealed inside four jerry cans.
Every packet contained 25 cartridges, bringing the total to 2,625 cartridges. Additionally, two unregistered motorcycles, believed to have been used in the transportation and distribution of the illicit ammunition, were seized.
These seizures are a testament to the operational efficiency and dedication of the Oyo police in combating organized crime.
The suspects are reported to have confessed to their involvement in arms trafficking and are now assisting investigators in tracing the wider network of their operations.
Authorities revealed that the illicit enterprise not only involved illegal importation but also the clandestine distribution of arms and ammunition to unauthorized persons, potentially fueling violent criminal acts in various parts of Nigeria.
In response to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and strategic intelligence-led approach.
He emphasized that proactive policing and the use of actionable intelligence are essential tools for dismantling organized criminal networks.
The Commissioner also directed that the suspects be charged to court upon completion of a thorough investigation, ensuring that justice is served in line with due process.
“This arrest demonstrates the commitment of the Oyo police to rid the state of illegal arms and prevent it from becoming a haven for criminal elements,” the Commissioner said.
He further stressed that the partnership between the police and the public is crucial, acknowledging community members whose timely tips contributed to the success of the operation.
Authorities explained that illegal arms trafficking remains a major threat to public safety and security.
By targeting international networks that supply prohibited weapons, the Oyo police aim to prevent these firearms from being used in violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and organized banditry.
The operation in Saki also sends a strong warning to others involved in similar illicit activities that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and committed.
The Oyo police have reassured residents that the command will intensify surveillance in vulnerable border regions and continue to employ intelligence-led strategies to identify and neutralize criminal networks.
Residents are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activities or movement of unauthorized weapons to security agencies promptly.
Community cooperation is regarded as a cornerstone in the fight against arms proliferation and violent crime in the state.
With investigations ongoing, officials revealed that additional arrests may follow as the network responsible for the trafficking of ammunition is further unraveled.
The command emphasized that dismantling transnational criminal enterprises requires sustained, coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies, intelligence units, and the public.
The seizure of 2,625 pump-action cartridges and the arrest of the suspected traffickers highlight the scale of the illegal arms problem, which the Oyo police are determined to address.
“Our goal is to ensure that illegal weapons do not reach unauthorized individuals and are prevented from being deployed in criminal activities,” DSP Olayinka added.
The operation also underscores the critical role of intelligence-gathering and proactive policing in curbing organized crime.
By acting on credible tips and employing precision-led operations, the Oyo police continue to make significant strides in maintaining law and order.
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