Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have arrested the village head of Asik Ubofa Fishing Settlement in Effiat Clan, Mbo Local Government Area, identified as Chief Edet, over alleged illegal possession of a firearm.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Timfon John, who said operatives acted on credible intelligence to carry out the operation.
According to the statement, detectives stormed the suspect’s location on March 24, 2026, at about 10:15hrs, where he was arrested without resistance. An AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines were reportedly recovered during the operation.
“The suspect is currently in police custody while discreet investigation has commenced to ascertain the source of the firearm, determine his motives, and apprehend other possible accomplices for prosecution,” the statement read.
The police command said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the state, warning individuals in possession of unlawful firearms to surrender them or face prosecution.
It also commended members of the public for providing useful intelligence to security agencies, noting that such collaboration remains critical to effective policing.
The command further reiterated its commitment to sustained operations against illegal arms possession and related criminal activities across Akwa Ibom State.
