Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a notorious gunrunner alleged to be supplying firearms to criminal networks in at least five states, along with three other suspects.
The suspect, who also fabricates locally made weapons, was said to be responsible for manufacturing and distributing arms to criminal gangs operating in Osun, Kogi, Edo, and Kwara states.
Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the suspect, who had long been on the command’s watchlist, was apprehended following the arrest of three armed robbery suspects involved in the attack of a female motorcycle owner.
The suspects were accused of robbing the victim of her TVS motorcycle, N250,000, and other valuables during an incident in Irele, headquarters of Irele Local Council, where she was also shot in the right leg.
Ayanlade confirmed that the suspects have been charged to court on counts of armed robbery and attempted murder, adding that efforts were ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate and bring all collaborators to justice.
“The arrest of this key figure marks a major step forward in dismantling the chain of supply that has fuelled violent crimes such as armed robbery and other unlawful activities across the region,” he said.
“There will be no hiding place for criminals in Ondo State. We shall continue to pursue them, dismantle their networks, and ensure that peace and security prevail across every community.”
