The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered 415 live cartridges and arrested several suspects, including one accused of transporting the ammunition via a commercial bus.
In a statement on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the command said the consignment was intercepted on January 23 during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Calabar–Itu Highway.
“During a thorough search of the vehicle, a carton containing Four Hundred and Fifteen (415) live cartridges was recovered. The vehicle was driven by one Ikenna, with passengers on board,” the statement read.
The driver claimed the ammunition did not belong to him but was being transported as a waybill consignment to an unidentified recipient in Calabar.
DSP John said two passengers, identified as Excel and Bright, were arrested for obstructing the police. Bright allegedly claimed to be an ICPC official but failed to produce valid identification and reportedly assaulted officers.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Ndubisi Raphael, 36, from Cross River State, who was taken into custody in Calabar.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azae, has ordered a discreet investigation to determine the source and intended use of the ammunition and prosecute all those found culpable.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal arms and warned the public against obstructing police officers in the lawful execution of their duties.
In a related case, the command recently detained a 38-year-old man for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm, threat to life, and possession of suspected illicit substances following a report from a resident in Ukanafun Local Government Area.
