POLICE ARREST 23-YEAR-OLD MAN WITH LOADED FIREARM IN AKWA IBOM

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

Essien, from Ikot Inyang Itak Village in Ikono Local Government Area, was arrested on Sunday, September 6, 2026, along Ayah Road, off Uyo Road, Ikot Ekpene.

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, the arrest followed credible intelligence received by operatives. A search allegedly led to the recovery of a locally made shotgun and a live cartridge.

The suspect was subsequently taken into custody, while the recovered items were secured as exhibits.

Police said an investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the firearm, why the suspect was allegedly carrying it and whether he has links with other individuals or criminal groups involved in the unlawful movement or use of firearms.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling illegal firearms and other security threats in the state.

He also urged residents to provide credible information about suspicious activities to the police.