The police command in Akwa Ibom on Friday said it intercepted 415 live cartridges in a commercial vehicle along the Itu-Calabar highway.

This was disclosed in a statement by the command’s spokeswoman, Timfon John, in Uyo.

Ms John said the live cartridges were intercepted on January 23, during a routine patrol by operatives of the command along the highway.

“On January 23 at about 2300 hours, operatives of the command, while on routine stop-and-search patrol along the Calabar-Itu highway, intercepted a commercial bus with registration number ARR600ZY, en route to Calabar.

“During a thorough search of the vehicle, a carton containing 415 live cartridges was recovered. The vehicle was driven by one Ikenna, with passengers on board. Upon interrogation, the driver claimed that the ammunition was not his but was allegedly conveyed as a waybill consignment to an unidentified person in Calabar.

“Upon further investigations, one 36-year-old male, indigene of Nyaje village of Akamkpa LGA, Cross River, was subsequently arrested in Calabar and taken into police custody,” Ms John said.

Ms John said that the commissioner of police, Baba Azare, has ordered an investigation to unravel the source and intended use of the recovered ammunition, with a view to prosecuting all persons found culpable.

The spokesperson reiterated the command’s resolve to combat the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition.

She assured residents that the police remained  committed to maintaining peace, public safety, and security across the state.

(NAN)