Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have recovered an illegally possessed firearm and live ammunition from a residence in Uyo as part of an intelligence-led operation aimed at tackling the proliferation of illegal arms in the state.
The police said the operation was carried out at the residence of Edet George in Ikot Akpan Afaha Village, Uyo Local Government Area, after receiving reports that the suspect allegedly used a firearm to threaten members of the community. During a search of the premises, officers recovered one single-barrel gun and eight live cartridges concealed in the house.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, preliminary investigations have begun to determine the source of the weapon, whether it was legally acquired, and if it had been used in the commission of any crime.
The command also disclosed that the suspect’s wife informed investigators that her husband frequently used the firearm to intimidate not only members of the community but also his own family, including herself and their children.
The recovered firearm and ammunition have been taken into police custody, while investigations continue. The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eliminating illegal firearms and ensuring that anyone found unlawfully possessing or using weapons to terrorise residents is brought to justice. He added that intelligence-driven operations would continue to enhance public safety across Akwa Ibom State.
