Police Nab Suspected Gunrunner, Recover Arms In Akwa Ibom

In ongoing mop-up operations to rid Akwa Ibom State of small arms and light weapons ahead of the 2027 general elections, Police operatives have apprehended a suspected gunrunner, recovering a large cache of live ammunition.

Disclosing this to journalists at the State Command headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, the state capital on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, explained that the feat was achieved through intelligence-led stop-and-search operation by officers and men of the command.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success with the recovery of a large cache of live ammunition, the arrest of the suspect who owns the ammunition and others who obstructed lawful Police duties.

“Operatives of the Command while on routine stop-and-search patrol along the Calabar–Itu Highway, intercepted a commercial bus with registration number ARR600ZY, en-route Calabar, Cross River State.

“During a thorough search of the vehicle, a carton containing 415 live cartridges was recovered. The vehicle was driven by one Ikenna, with passengers on board.

“Upon interrogation, the driver claimed that the ammunition was not his, but was allegedly conveyed as a waybill consignment to an unidentified person in Calabar.

“In the course of the operation, a commuter identified as ‘Excel’ obstructed officers in the lawful discharge of their duties by engaging in provocative conduct.

“Additionally, another commuter, one Bright who claimed to be an official of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) but failed to produce a valid identification, joined in assaulting the Police officers. Both individuals were promptly arrested.

“Upon further investigations, One Ndubisi Raphael, 36-year-old indigene of Nyaje village of Akamkpa local government area, Cross River State, was subsequently arrested in Calabar and taken into Police custody,” he said.

Consequently, the commissioner of police (CP), Baba Azare, according to DSP John, has ordered “a discreet and thorough investigation to unravel the source and intended use of the recovered ammunition with a view to prosecuting all persons found culpable.”