The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says the wife of a man, Edet George, a resident of Ikot Akpan Afaha Village, Uyo Local Government Area of the state, under investigation for illegal possession of a firearm, has told investigators that he frequently used the weapon to terrorise members of his family and the wider community.

A statement issued by the command’s public relations officer, Timfon John, on Wednesday disclosed that the operatives, acting on intelligence, searched the residence of the suspect following reports that he habitually harassed the community with the firearm.

According to the statement, 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 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.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command, on 11/7/2026, at about 7:00 a.m., carried out a targeted operation at the residence of one Edet George, a resident of Ikot Akpan Afaha Village, 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 statement reads in part.

The Police spokesperson said preliminary investigations have commenced to establish the source of the weapon, determine its legality, and ascertain whether it has been used in the commission of any criminal offences.

She disclosed that during the course of the investigation, the suspect’s wife also affirmed that her husband often used the firearm to terrorise members of his family.

The statement added, “During the course of the investigation, the suspect’s wife (name withheld) made a statement confirming that the suspect frequently used the firearm to intimidate and threaten not only members of the community but also his own family, including herself and their children.

“The recovered firearm and ammunition have been taken into police custody, while preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the source of the weapon, determine its legality, and ascertain whether it has been used in the commission of any criminal offences.”

Meanwhile, the statement said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms and ensuring that individuals who unlawfully possess weapons or use them to terrorise innocent citizens are brought to justice.

Azare said 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. (The PUNCH)

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