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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has said that it has arrested a young man identified as Mfon Essien with a heavily loaded locally made gun in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Akwa Ibom, DSP Timfon John, and made available to journalists stated that Essien, 23, from Ikot Inyang Itak in Ikono Local Government Area of the state, was arrested along Ayah Road, off Uyo Road, in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
John said the arrest had brought a major breakthrough in the sustained efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms and prevent violent crime across the state.
The statement reads in part:
“On 6th September, 2026, at about 12:30 p.m., operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted one Mfon Essien, male, aged 23 years, of Ikot Inyang Itak Village, Ikono Local Government Area, along Ayah Road, off Uyo Road, Ikot Ekpene.
“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.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that the suspect was arrested on the spot for interrogation, while the exhibit was recovered from him for investigation.
“The suspect was immediately arrested, while the recovered firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits.
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“He is currently in police custody undergoing thorough interrogation and investigation.”
John explained that the investigation had been intensified to establish the source of the firearm as well as the intentions of the suspect for carrying such a weapon with him.
“Investigation has been intensified to establish the source of the firearm, the purpose for which it was being carried, and whether the suspect has any connection with other persons or criminal networks involved in the acquisition, movement, or use of illegal firearms.”
John said the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Bava Azare, while reacting to the incident, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to relentlessly pursue individuals involved in the unlawful possession and circulation of firearms across the state.
He said the CP had warned that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted operations, patrols, and other lawful crime-prevention measures to ensure that illegal weapons are taken off the streets before they are used to perpetrate violent crimes.
He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide the police with timely and credible information concerning suspicious persons, illegal firearms, and other criminal activities, assuring that the identities of informants would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and sustaining the prevailing peace and security across the state.”
