The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a father and his teenage son for allegedly possessing a locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and a mask, highlighting the ongoing concern over illegal firearms in the state.
The suspects, identified as 38-year-old Kehinde Joseph and his 13-year-old son, John Joseph, were apprehended on Sunday, April 5, 2026, during a stop-and-search operation by the command’s Quick Response Squad along the Sagamu/Ogijo Road.
According to the state police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, the operatives intercepted a tricycle carrying the younger suspect around the Lafarge area at about 11 a.m. A search conducted on the boy led to the recovery of the locally made pistol, a live cartridge, and a mask. When questioned, the teenage suspect claimed that the firearm belonged to his father.
DSP Babaseyi said, “Operatives of the Quick Response Squad, Ogun State Police Command, arrested two suspects, a father and his teenage son, for unlawful possession of a firearm. On Sunday, April 5, 2026, at about 1100hrs, the operatives, while on stop-and-search duty at the Lafarge area along Sagamu/Ogijo Road, intercepted a tricycle conveying the younger suspect. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, one live cartridge and a mask, the ownership of which he could not satisfactorily explain. The suspect, however, claimed that the firearm belonged to his father.”
Following the discovery, the police intensified efforts to locate and arrest the father, who was later apprehended. Both suspects, along with the recovered items, were transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation. Authorities confirmed that the father and son will be charged in court after investigations are completed.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, commended the vigilance and professionalism of the officers involved in the operation. He reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal possession of firearms and criminal activities, assuring residents of sustained efforts to ensure safety and security across the state.
Ojajuni also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to the police and report suspicious activities through the command’s emergency lines.
Illegal possession of firearms remains a significant security challenge across Nigeria. Firearms, often locally made or smuggled into the country, are frequently linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. The police have continued to step up patrols, roadblocks, and stop-and-search operations in high-risk areas to curb the spread and misuse of illegal guns.
Ogun State, located in the southwestern region of Nigeria, has experienced sporadic incidents involving illegal firearms, particularly in urban corridors such as Sagamu and Ogijo, which are busy transit routes connecting major towns and cities. Security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements, especially those involving unregistered weapons or unusual gatherings.
The National Firearms Act and other relevant laws in Nigeria classify illegal possession of firearms as a criminal offense punishable by strict imprisonment. Police authorities continue to emphasize that the public should avoid handling weapons without proper licensing and must always report suspicious items to the nearest police station.
In recent years, the Nigerian Police Force has increased community policing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons. Initiatives such as neighborhood vigilance groups, tip lines, and public awareness campaigns have helped in identifying illegal arms and preventing their use in crimes. However, authorities say ongoing cooperation from residents is crucial to sustaining these efforts.
The arrest of Kehinde and John Joseph sends a strong message about the consequences of possessing illegal firearms. Police officials note that prompt reporting and cooperation between the community and law enforcement are essential to ensuring public safety.
Residents are also reminded to verify information before sharing claims related to firearms or security incidents, as misinformation can cause unnecessary panic. The Ogun State Police Command has maintained that all official announcements are communicated through verified channels, including the command’s website, social media handles, and press releases.