Police Arrest 23-Year-Old With Loaded Shotgun In Ikot Ekpene

• Police arrest a 23-year-old man with a loaded locally made shotgun in Ikot Ekpene.

• Suspect intercepted following credible intelligence, with one live cartridge recovered.

• Police investigate the source of the firearm and possible links to criminal networks.

September 07, () — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old man, identified as Mfon Essien, after allegedly finding him in possession of a loaded locally made shotgun in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.

Essien, a resident of Ikot Inyang Itak Village in Ikono Local Government Area, was intercepted at about 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2026, along Ayah Road, off Uyo Road, Ikot Ekpene, following what the Police described as credible intelligence.

A search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of one locally made shotgun loaded with a live cartridge, which the Police said had been carefully concealed in his clothing.

The suspect was immediately taken into custody, while the firearm and ammunition were secured as exhibits.

The Police said investigation had commenced to determine how Essien came into possession of the weapon, his intended purpose for carrying it and whether he has links with other individuals or criminal networks involved in the acquisition, movement or use of illegal firearms.

The development comes as the Command intensifies its campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms and other activities capable of undermining the relative peace in the state.

Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, warned that the Police would continue to pursue individuals involved in the unlawful possession, circulation and use of firearms.

Azare said the Command would deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted operations, patrols and other lawful crime-prevention strategies to take illegal weapons off the streets before they could be used to perpetrate violent crimes.

The Commissioner also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide the Police with timely and credible information about suspicious persons, illegal firearms and other criminal activities.

He assured members of the public that the identities of informants would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the arrest underscored the importance of intelligence gathering and public cooperation in preventing violent crimes before they occur.

According to him, the Command is particularly interested in tracing the source and intended use of the firearm, stressing that the investigation would not stop with the recovery of the weapon but would seek to uncover any possible network behind its possession and movement.