The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered an illegally possessed firearm and live ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Uyo, as part of efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the operation followed credible intelligence alleging that a resident of Ikot Akpan Afaha Village in Uyo Local Government Area, identified as Edet George, had been using a firearm to intimidate members of his community.
According to the police, operatives carried out a search of the suspect’s residence on July 11, 2026, at about 7:00 a.m., where they recovered a single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges concealed within the premises.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational success with the recovery of an illegally possessed firearm and live ammunition during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and enhancing public safety across the state,” the statement said.
It added, “Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command carried out a targeted operation at the residence of one Edet George following reports that he habitually threatened members of the community with a firearm. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of one single-barrel gun and eight rounds of live cartridges concealed within the residence.”
The police said investigations have commenced to determine the source of the firearm, establish whether it was lawfully acquired, and ascertain if it had been used in the commission of any criminal offences.
The command also revealed that the suspect’s wife, whose identity was withheld, told investigators that her husband frequently used the firearm to intimidate not only residents of the community but also members of his own family.
“During the course of the investigation, the suspect’s wife confirmed that he often used the firearm to threaten and intimidate members of the community as well as his family, including herself and their children,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal firearms and ensuring that anyone found unlawfully possessing or using weapons to terrorise innocent citizens is brought to justice.
“The Command remains resolute in its determination to protect lives and property, maintain public order, and sustain ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at making the state safer for all,” Azare said.
