…the village head would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Uyo, Nigeria — The iNews Times | Police in Akwa Ibom have apprehended a village head, Chief Edet, over alleged illegal possession of a firearm.
The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, who stormed the suspect’s location and recovered an AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines.
According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation was conducted on March 24, 2026, at about 10:15 a.m. after detectives received credible information linking the village head to unlawful possession of arms.
She said the operatives moved swiftly to the scene and successfully carried out the operation without resistance.
“On March 24, 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,” she stated.
The police confirmed that the suspect, identified as Chief Edet, a village head of Asik Ubofa Fishing Settlement in Effiat Clan, Mbo Local Government Area, is currently in custody as investigations continue.
Authorities said preliminary investigation is ongoing to determine the source of the firearm, how it was obtained, and whether the suspect is connected to any wider arms network or criminal activity.
Security officials noted that the recovery of the AK-47 rifle has raised fresh concerns over the circulation of illegal weapons in rural communities, especially in coastal and riverine areas where enforcement is often more difficult.
The Command stressed that illegal possession of firearms remains a serious offence under Nigerian law and warned that anyone found culpable would face prosecution.
DSP Timfon John reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to tackling the spread of illegal arms and ensuring that individuals who violate the law are brought to justice.
She also urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and useful information that can aid crime prevention efforts across the state.
“The Command reiterates its commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal arms and warns individuals in possession of unlawful firearms to voluntarily surrender them or face the full weight of the law,” she added.
Community members were also advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly those involving weapons or unfamiliar individuals in their areas.
The police said the village head would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations in line with due process.
