Police in Kwara State have arrested a suspected arms courier and recovered 100 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Gbugbu–Patigi road in Edu Local Government Area.
The suspect, identified as Owolaramfe Rafiu, was intercepted while driving a Toyota Corolla with registration number EP 434 ABC. Four other occupants of the vehicle Musa Mohammed, Adam Alhaji Lawal, and Musa Shaibu, were also taken into custody.
Police said the ammunition was concealed among personal belongings in the vehicle, alongside various charms believed to be used for protection.
“We discovered 100 rounds of live AK-47 ammunition carefully hidden among their effects,” a police source said. “Our officers acted swiftly to ensure the suspects were apprehended without incident.”
The arrest occurred on Friday during a routine patrol by officers attached to the Lafiagi Area Command.
The operation took place less than 24 hours after the Department of State Services (DSS) announced the arrest of a medical doctor allegedly transporting medical supplies to suspected kidnappers operating in the state.
Security officials believe the ammunition was destined for criminal networks operating across the state.
“This is a significant breakthrough,” a senior police officer said. “We are determined to disrupt every channel that supplies arms or materials to criminal groups.”
Police authorities say a coordinated investigation is underway to uncover the intended recipient of the ammunition and to establish the full network behind the transport.
“All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue,” the police statement added.
Residents have been urged to report suspicious movements as security agencies intensify efforts to curb the flow of weapons into the state.