Police recover illegal firearm, ammunition from Akwa Ibom residence

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have recovered an illegally possessed firearm and live ammunition from a residence in Ikot Akpan Afaha Village, Uyo Local Government Area, following an intelligence-led operation.

The command said the operation was carried out at the residence of Edet George after reports alleged that he habitually threatened members of the community with a firearm.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John.

According to the statement, officers searched the premises and recovered one single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges concealed in the house.

The statement read: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success with the recovery of an illegally possessed firearm and live ammunition during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and enhancing public safety across the state.”

It added: “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command, on 11/7/2026, at about 7:00 a.m, carried out a targeted operation at the residence of one Edet George, a resident of Ikot Akpan Afaha Village, following reports that he habitually threatened members of the community with a firearm.”

The police said: “A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of one single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges concealed within the residence.”

According to the command, preliminary investigations have commenced to establish the source of the firearm, determine whether it was legally acquired and ascertain if it had been used to commit any criminal offence.

The police also said the suspect’s wife informed investigators that her husband frequently used the firearm to intimidate members of the community and his family.

The statement said: “During the course of the investigation, the suspect’s wife (name withheld), made a statement confirming that the suspect frequently used the firearm to intimidate and threaten not only members of the community but also his own family, including herself and their children.”

It added: “The recovered firearm and ammunition have been taken into police custody, while preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the source of the weapon, determine its legality, and ascertain whether it has been used in the commission of any criminal offences.”

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms and ensuring that those who unlawfully possess or use weapons to terrorise residents are brought to justice.

According to the statement, the commissioner said the command remains committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order and sustaining intelligence-driven operations across the state.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖