Police recover illegal gun, ammunition in Akwa Ibom

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered an illegally possessed firearm and eight live cartridges during an intelligence-led operation in Ikot Akpan Afaha village.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, by its Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out at about 7:00 am on Saturday, 11 July 2026, following credible intelligence that a resident, identified as Edet George, had been using a firearm to terrorise community members.

Police operatives raided the suspect’s residence, where a thorough search led to the recovery of a single-barrelled gun and eight live cartridges concealed within the premises.

The suspect’s wife, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, told investigators that her husband frequently used the weapon to intimidate both the community and his own family, including herself and their children.

The recovered firearm and ammunition have been taken into police custody. An investigation has been launched to establish the source of the weapon, determine its licensing status, and ascertain whether it has been used in any criminal offences.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms, warning that anyone unlawfully possessing weapons to terrorise innocent citizens will face justice.

He also assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations to protect lives and property, maintain public order, and improve security across Akwa Ibom State.