More than 20 individuals suspected to be involved in gunrunning alongside their logistics suppliers have been arrested in Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State.
The arrests followed a renewed security crackdown on criminal elements in the area.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the crackdown involving nearly 400 special security operatives, was at the instance of the state government and Office of the National Security Adviser.
The operation targets Ifelodun, Ekiti, Edu, Patigi local government areas of the state and some other border communities where security breaches have recently been observed.
A credible government source told our correspondent under anonymity that, “We are to have these local governments on a lockdown. The operation is just getting underway, and we have more than 20 arrests already.
“The suspects are giving useful information, and many of them were caught with ammunition and supplies meant for the criminals around Babanla (Ifelodun).”
The source further revealed that out of these suspects, 10 have been moved to Abuja along with the ammunition in their possession for more interrogation.
“The operation has also led to the unconditional release of many captives in the area following mounting pressure on the criminals,” it added.
He added that the operation also involved a strategic partnership with security forces in neighbouring Kogi and Niger States to prevent the criminals from escaping.
“The operation is only starting from Ifelodun. We are also moving to Edu and Patigi, while Eruku axis is on lockdown to ensure that these criminals do not escape to Kogi. Border communities around Niger are also being monitored,” the source added.
LEADERSHIP reports that the latest security operation followed recent assurances by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to smoke out criminals from different forests where they may be hiding.
The government source urged members of the public to report any suspicious movement of unknown individuals to the security agencies.
