The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against illegal arms proliferation with the recovery of 415 live cartridges from a commercial bus intercepted along the Calabar–Itu Highway.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, the operation, which took place at about 11:00 p.m. on January 23, 2026, was carried out by operatives of the Command during a routine stop-and-search patrol.

It says the bus, with registration number ARR 600 ZY, was travelling from Akwa Ibom to Calabar when officers discovered a carton containing the ammunition concealed inside the vehicle.

The driver, identified simply as Ikenna, claimed the cartridges were not his, alleging that he was conveying them as a waybill consignment to an unidentified recipient in Calabar.

Tension ensued during the operation when a commuter, identified as “Excel,” allegedly obstructed officers in the lawful execution of their duties through provocative conduct.

Another passenger, Bright, who claimed to be an official of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) but failed to produce valid identification, reportedly joined in assaulting the officers. Both men were immediately arrested.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Ndubisi Raphael, a 36-year-old indigene of Nyaje Village, Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State, who was apprehended in Calabar in connection with the recovered ammunition.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, MNIPR, has ordered a discreet but thorough investigation to determine the source and intended use of the ammunition, with a view to prosecuting all persons found culpable.

The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on the proliferation of illegal arms and warned members of the public against obstructing police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties, and assured residents of its continued commitment to maintaining peace, public safety, and security across the state. (Nigerian Tribune)

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