Kwara: Police arrest suspected gunrunner in commercial vehicle, recover two AK-47 rifles

Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested a suspected gunrunner and recovered two serviceable AK-47 rifles, three magazines and 42 rounds of live ammunition.

The Tribune gathered that the interception was made during a stop-and-search operation along the Alapa–Okolowo axis of Ilorin, the state capital, where the firearms and ammunition were recovered from a bag found inside a commercial vehicle.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the development in a statement, said that the male suspect, identified as Umaru, aged 30 years, initially denied ownership of the bag containing the firearms, but further investigation produced a significant breakthrough when he later admitted to his involvement in conveying the recovered firearms and ammunition.

“In line with the strategic policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, particularly the emphasis on proactive policing, intelligence-led operations and sustained efforts to prevent and disrupt criminal activities, Police operatives in Kwara State have intercepted a passenger vehicle in Ilorin, recovered two serviceable AK-47 rifles, three magazines and 42 rounds of live ammunition, and subsequently uncovered a suspected gun-running link in connection with the recovery”.

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The PPRO, in the statement, also said that the suspect provided information linking the weapons to another suspected member of a gun-running network, named Dan Yarubawa, who allegedly gave him the firearms for onward delivery to another individual Dahiru, outside Kwara State.

“Efforts have consequently been intensified to apprehend the other persons linked to the developing investigation and establish the full extent of the network.

“The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, psc, mnips, reassured the people of Kwara State that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property and will not relent in taking proactive measures to identify and disrupt threats to public safety.

“He called for continued support and timely sharing of credible information by members of the public, assuring that the Police will sustain its vigilance and operations across the State in keeping Kwara safe”.