A 32-year-old man, Ogunmola Oluwasola ‘M’, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command after a pistol and four live cartridges were allegedly found in his possession in Owo.
Oluwasola, who resides on Idasen Street in the town, was arrested by operatives of the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad during a stop-and-search operation on the Owo-Ute Road.
The incident occurred around 5am on Friday, August 7, 2026, when the operatives, conducting routine patrols along the route, stopped the suspect for a search.
During the exercise, the police said a cut-to-size pistol and four rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspect.
He was subsequently taken into custody, while the recovered weapon and ammunition were kept as exhibits as the investigation progressed.
The command said detectives were working to establish how the suspect came by the firearm, what he intended to use it for and whether he had any connection with robbery, kidnapping or other criminal activities in Owo and its surrounding areas.
The state Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, praised the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for its vigilance, saying proactive policing remained crucial to preventing violent crimes.
Ohagwu directed that intelligence-driven patrols and stop-and-search operations be sustained across the state, particularly on major routes and in locations considered vulnerable to criminal activities.
He also warned those involved in illegal possession or movement of firearms that the command would continue to go after them in collaboration with other security agencies.
The police said investigation into the matter was ongoing and that the suspect would be made to face the law if found culpable.
The command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting residents and property through intelligence gathering, visible policing and community-based security initiatives.