The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested five suspects and recovered firearms, ammunition, and other items during intelligence-led raids ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
The Command, through its Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, said the operations were carried out around the Aramoko/Erijiyan-Ekiti axis on June 8 and 9, 2026, as part of mop-up efforts to ensure a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the poll.
Four suspects, Oyebanji Seun, Ajibade Simeon, Ige Dada, and Adeoye Rasak were arrested at different criminal hideouts. A search of the premises led to the recovery of nine unlicensed barrel guns and 24 live cartridges, the police said.
In another operation, operatives of the Emure Divisional Police Headquarters, on June 10, 2026, while on joint patrol with the Nigeria Forest Security Service and Agro Marshal personnel, responded to a distress call on a shooting incident at Okesiri Farm settlement in Emure-Ekiti.
According to the police, the armed hoodlums engaged the operatives in a gun duel on sighting them. One suspect, Moses Bataph, was arrested while others escaped.
Items recovered from the suspect include one Beretta pistol with two rounds of live ammunition, a substance suspected to be a criminal charm, and ₦54,200 cash.
The Command said all suspects are undergoing investigation and will be charged to court.
State Commissioner of Police, CP Falade Adegoroye Michael, commended members of the public for prompt and credible information that led to the breakthroughs. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to the safety of lives and property, maintenance of law and order, and ensuring fairness and justice.
