The Oyo State Police Command has arrested two suspects for allegedly possessing 250 live cartridges, in what authorities described as another breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms proliferation and violent crime in the state.

The suspects, identified as Ganiyu Sodiq, 35, and Salaudeen Sheriff, 23, both residents of Komu, were apprehended on June 10, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation at Budo Pako, Oke-Oyan, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the state.

Police spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that operatives recovered a total of 250 live cartridges from the suspects during the operation.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects could not provide any lawful explanation for their possession of the ammunition.

Ayanlade said investigations suggested that the suspects might be involved in the illicit trafficking and supply of ammunition to criminal elements operating within and outside Oyo State.

“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.

“Acting on credible intelligence and sustained surveillance operations, operatives of the Command arrested two suspects, namely Ganiyu Sodiq (35) and Salaudeen Sheriff (23), both residents of Komu, in connection with the unlawful possession of ammunition.

“The suspects were apprehended at Budo Pako, Oke-Oyan, where a total of 250 live cartridges were recovered from their possession,” the statement said.

The police spokesperson added that intelligence-driven investigations were ongoing to uncover the wider network behind the alleged trafficking, identify possible collaborators and determine the source and intended destination of the recovered ammunition.

He noted that the suspects remained in police custody and would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbemiga, reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition, describing them as major enablers of violent crimes.

He assured residents that the police would continue to deploy all lawful measures to ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities were identified, arrested and prosecuted.

Olugbemiga also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and actionable information, stressing that community participation remains critical to combating crime and criminality in the state.