• Police intercept suspect following intelligence
• Investigation begins into source and intended use of weapon
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Mfon Essien, for allegedly possessing a locally made shotgun loaded with a live cartridge in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
Essien, a resident of Ikot Inyang Itak Village in Ikono Local Government Area, was arrested at about 12:30pm on Sunday, September 6, 2026, along Ayah Road, off Uyo Road, Ikot Ekpene.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare.
According to the PPRO, police operatives intercepted Essien following credible intelligence and conducted a search which allegedly led to the discovery of the firearm.
“During a search conducted on the suspect, operatives recovered one locally made shotgun loaded with a live cartridge, which was carefully concealed in his clothing,” John said.
The suspect was immediately arrested, while the firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits.
The police said Essien remained in custody and was undergoing interrogation as detectives continued their investigation.
The command said the investigation would determine the source of the firearm, why the suspect was allegedly carrying it and whether he had links to other individuals or criminal networks involved in the acquisition, movement or use of illegal firearms.
Commissioner Azare reaffirmed the command’s determination to tackle the unlawful possession and circulation of firearms across the state.
He said the command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted operations, patrols and other lawful crime-prevention measures to remove illegal weapons from the streets before they could be used to commit violent crimes.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information on suspicious persons, illegal firearms and other criminal activities.
He assured members of the public that the identities of informants would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining peace across Akwa Ibom State.
