23-YEAR-OLD ARRESTED OVER ALLEGED ILLEGAL FIREARM POSSESSION IN AKWA IBOM

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, Mfon Essien, over alleged possession of an illegal firearm in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.

Essien was arrested around 12:30pm on Sunday, September 6, 2026, along Ayah Road, off Uyo Road, Ikot Ekpene, following information received by police operatives.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare.

According to the police, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made firearm and ammunition, which were taken into custody as exhibits.

The suspect remains in police custody and is currently being questioned as part of an ongoing investigation.

The police said investigators are working to determine where the firearm came from, why the suspect allegedly possessed it and whether he had any connection with other individuals involved in the movement or use of illegal firearms.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling illegal firearms and urged residents to provide credible information on suspicious activities to security agencies.