The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into allegations that an AK-47 rifle recovered from suspected members of an interstate armed robbery syndicate was purchased for ₦700,000 through a contact currently serving a prison sentence.
The startling claim emerged during the interrogation of three suspects arrested by operatives of the command, prompting detectives to widen their investigation into what could be a broader illegal arms supply network linked to criminal gangs operating across state borders.
Briefing journalists in Akure on Monday, the Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, said the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance after an armed robbery case was reported at the Iju Police Division in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Promise Daniel, 34, Ifanyi Yemahi, 29, and Adaramoye Abayomi, 37, were intercepted while travelling in a Mercedes-Benz ML350 SUV.
According to the police commissioner, a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition, an English Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition, a UTC axe and an iron cutter.
Ohagwu said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to a notorious interstate armed robbery syndicate believed to be responsible for a series of violent robbery operations in Ondo and Lagos states.
He disclosed that the suspects made useful confessional statements during interrogation, including the claim that the AK-47 rifle was purchased through an individual currently serving a prison sentence for about ₦700,000.
“The allegation is still under investigation, and detectives are pursuing fresh leads to uncover those involved in the illegal arms supply network as well as other members of the robbery syndicate,” the police commissioner said.
He further revealed that investigators had identified the alleged receiver of stolen items linked to the gang and were intensifying efforts to arrest other fleeing members of the criminal network.
Ohagwu also stated that intelligence gathered by the command indicated the suspects were allegedly on their way to carry out another robbery operation before they were intercepted by police operatives.
He assured residents that the command would conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that everyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that community support remains crucial in combating crime and dismantling organised criminal syndicates.