Arms Manufacturing Ring Busted in Ondo Three Arrested, Weapons Recovered
Date: 18th October, 2025
In a major breakthrough against illegal arms proliferation, the Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected local gunsmith and two accomplices, recovering multiple firearms from a hidden location in Ile-Oluji.
Acting on actionable intelligence, operatives from the Yaba Divisional Headquarters conducted a sting operation on October 15th, 2025, at Eyingun-Owode community. The operation led to the arrest of 53-year-old Kareem Fatia, allegedly involved in the illegal fabrication and distribution of firearms.
During the raid, police recovered three single-barrel guns, three Dane guns, and one unfinished gun barrel, all hidden in a bush behind the suspect’s home. The principal suspect reportedly confessed to manufacturing and supplying the weapons, aiding ongoing investigations into potential links to violent crimes across the state.
Two additional suspects have since been taken into custody, as detectives pursue leads to uncover the full extent of the arms network and identify potential buyers.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, psc, praised the operation and assured the public of the Command’s continued efforts to clamp down on illegal arms and criminal activity. He also expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his support and leadership, which he credited for strengthening intelligence-led policing in the state.
In his statement, CP Lawal reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance policy toward unlawful possession or production of firearms, warning offenders to desist or face the full consequences under the law.
