A’Ibom traditional ruler nabbed, AK-47 rifle recovered

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Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a traditional ruler, Chief Edet, the village head of Asik Ubofa, a fishing settlement in Effiat Clan, Mbo Local Government Area, and recovered an AK-47 rifle from him.

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The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Wednesday, noting that the 60-year-old suspect was apprehended on Tuesday following credible intelligence linking him to the possession of an illegal firearm.

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According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, directed operatives to launch a coordinated operation to verify the intelligence and take necessary action.

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“Acting on the directive, detectives stormed the suspect’s residence on March 24, 2026, at about 10:15 a.m. During the operation, one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines were recovered, and the suspect was arrested without incident,” the statement read.

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The police said the suspect is currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the firearm, establish his motives, and identify possible accomplices for prosecution.

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The command described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to rid the state of illegal arms and criminal elements.

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It also commended members of the public for providing timely and credible information, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies.

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The police reiterated their commitment to combating the proliferation of illegal firearms and warned individuals in possession of such weapons to surrender them or face the full weight of the law.

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