TheCable

The police say they have arrested 38 suspects for various alleged crimes ranging from armed robbery, kidnapping and arms smuggling.

In a statement, Frank Mba, force public relations officer, said a four-man arms smuggling gang was arrested on May 25.

Mba said 6,000 live ammunition for AK 47 were recovered from them.

“A total of  38 suspects were arrested for their different roles in various criminal operations ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and cattle rustling,” he said.

“The criminal [arms smuggling] gang operates between parts of North African, the Sahel region and West African countries.

“The 4-man syndicate comprising: Ojoomo Olugbenga 45yrs native of Akure Central, Ondo State,  ii.Oladimeji Adeogun 50yrs native of Ido LGA of Oyo State  iii. Habib Musibau 24yrs old native of Oluyole LGA of Oyo State  and Thomas Olumuyiwa 54yrs old, native of Ado-odo Ota LGA of Ogun State, all male, were arrested at Saki town, Nigeria-Benin Republic border in Oyo State.

“Investigation reveals that the syndicate specializes in smuggling small arms, light weapons and ammunition from North Africa through the Sahel region and supplying same to their criminal partners – kidnappers, armed robbers, political thugs and other criminal elements – in Nigeria and other West African countries.”

The police spokesman said another set of 24 AK47 rifles, four pump action guns, 11 dane guns, 10 English pistols, two single barrel guns, one set of army camouflage uniform and 22 live cartridges were recovered from other criminal gangs in different parts of the country.

“The police will continually work round the clock along with other security agencies towards ensuring improved border security, control of arms proliferation and combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the country,” Mba said.