The police command in Oyo State has arrested two suspects for unlawfully possessing 250 live cartridges.

A statement on Thursday by the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the suspects, who are residents of Komu, were apprehended on Wednesday at Budo Pako, Oke-Oyan.

“The Oyo State police command has recorded another significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition and enhance public safety across the State,” he said.

He said the suspects, identified as Ganiyu Sodiq (35) and Salaudeen Sheriff (23), were arrested following credible intelligence and surveillance operations by its operatives.

Mr Olayinka said preliminary investigations showed that the suspects were unable to offer a lawful explanation or satisfactory account regarding the ammunition found in their possession.

He added that findings indicated that the suspects are allegedly involved in the illicit trafficking and supply of ammunition to criminals operating within and beyond Oyo State. 

“Ongoing intelligence-led investigations are focused on dismantling the wider network, identifying possible collaborators, and determining the source and intended destination of the recovered cartridges,” the spokesman said.

He disclosed that the suspects, who are currently in police custody as investigations continue, would subsequently be charged in court.

The state’s Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbemiga, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition.

The commissioner also assured residents in the state that lawful measures are being undertaken to ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.