Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a village head, Chief Edet, in Asik Ubofa, a fishing settlement in Effiat Clan, Mbo Local Government Area, after recovering an AK-47 rifle from him.
The development was confirmed in a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon Johh, in Uyo on Wednesday.
John stated that the 60-year-old suspect was apprehended on Tuesday following credible intelligence indicating he possessed an illegal firearm.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered a coordinated operation to verify the information and take necessary action.
Detectives subsequently acted on the directive, recovering one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines. An investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the weapon, uncover the suspect’s intentions, and identify any accomplices for prosecution.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its sustained efforts to rid the State of illegal firearms and criminal elements.
“Acting on credible intelligence that the Village Head of Asik Ubofa Fishing Settlement in Effiat Clan, Mbo Local Government Area, one Chief Edet, male, 60 years, was allegedly in possession of an illegal firearm.
”Upon receipt of the intelligence, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, directed operatives of the command to immediately embark on a coordinated operation to verify the information and take necessary action.
”Consequently, on 24th March, 2026, at about 1015hrs, detectives swung into action and stormed the suspect’s location. During the operation, the team successfully recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines. The suspect was arrested at the scene without incident.
”The suspect is currently in police custody while a discreet investigation has commenced to ascertain the source of the firearm, determine his motives, and apprehend other possible accomplices for prosecution,” the statement said.
The command commended residents for providing timely and credible information and reiterated its resolve to curb the spread of illegal arms. It also warned individuals with unlawful firearms to surrender them or face legal consequences.
In a related development, the PUNCH Metro earlier reported that the Lagos State Police Command arrested 18 suspects over a violent clash in the Ojo area of Lagos.
The incident, which involved youths, was captured in a viral video showing individuals throwing dangerous objects at one another as tensions escalated.
