Police uncover suspected gun-running network in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command says it has uncovered a suspected gun-running network following the interception of a commercial vehicle and recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three magazines and 42 rounds of live ammunition in Ilorin.

The weapons were recovered during a stop-and-search operation along the Alapa–Okolowo axis, the command said in a statement issued on Monday.

A 30-year-old suspect, Umaru M., was arrested in connection with the recovery. Police said he initially denied ownership of the bag containing the firearms but later allegedly admitted to conveying the weapons and ammunition.

According to the command, Umaru’s statement linked the firearms to another suspected member of the network, identified as Dan Yarubawa, who allegedly gave him the weapons for onward delivery to another person, identified as Dahiru, outside Kwara State.

The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest the other suspects and establish the full extent of the alleged gun-running network.

The Commissioner of Police, Kwara Command, CP Ojo Adekimi, said the command would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and disrupting threats to public safety.

He also urged residents to provide credible and timely information to the police to support efforts to keep the state safe.