The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested five suspected criminals and recovered firearms, ammunition, and other incriminating items as part of efforts to ensure a peaceful and secure environment before, during, and after the June 20 governorship election in the state.
The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu. According to the statement, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) carried out intelligence-led raids on criminal hideouts around the Aramoko and Erijiyan-Ekiti axis on June 8 and 9, 2026.
The operation led to the arrest of four suspects identified as Oyebanji Seun, Ajibade Simeon, Ige Dada, and Adeoye Rasak at different locations.The police said a thorough search conducted at the suspects’ hideouts resulted in the recovery of nine unlicensed locally-made guns and 24 live cartridges.
In a separate operation, operatives attached to the Emure Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and Agro Marshal, responded to a distress call regarding a shooting incident at Okesiri Farm Settlement on June 10.
The police stated that upon arrival at the scene, the armed hoodlums engaged the security operatives in a gun duel. During the exchange, one of the suspects, identified as Moses Bataph, was apprehended while others escaped into the surrounding area.
Items recovered from the suspect included a Baretta pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition, a substance suspected to be a criminal charm, and the sum of N54,200. The Command noted that all the suspects are currently undergoing investigation and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending residents for their vigilance and timely information, the Commissioner of Police in Ekiti State, CP Falade Adegoroye Micheal, reiterated the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining law and order, and ensuring justice across the state. He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to enhance the fight against crime and criminality
