The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has achieved a major breakthrough in combating illegal arms proliferation by recovering 415 live cartridges concealed in a commercial bus and arresting a suspect along with several passengers. According to a statement by the Command's spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the incident occurred on January 23, 2026, around 11:00 PM during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Calabar–Itu Highway. Operatives intercepted a commercial vehicle with registration number ARR600ZY heading to Calabar, driven by one Ikenna. A thorough search revealed a carton containing the 415 live cartridges. The driver claimed the ammunition was not his but was being transported as a waybill consignment to an unidentified recipient in Calabar. Following further investigation, a 36-year-old male from Nyaje village in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, allegedly the owner was arrested in Calabar and taken into custody. Additionally, some bus passengers were arrested for allegedly obstructing police duties during the operation. The Command warned the public against involvement in such illegal activities and assured continued vigilance to curb arms trafficking in the region.
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