The police command in Akwa Ibom State has detained the head of Asik Ubofa Village, Effiat Clan, Mbo Local Government Area, over suspected illegal possession of a firearm.

The police public relations officer, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday.

Ms John said that the police command received credible intelligence that the village head was illegally in possession of a firearm.

She said that following the intelligence, the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, directed a coordinated operation to verify the information.

“Our detectives swung into action by storming the suspect’s location on Tuesday and successfully recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines,” she said.

The police spokesman further said that the suspect was currently in police custody for further investigation on the matter.

“The command’s intention is to ascertain the source of the firearm, determine the suspect’s motives, and apprehend other possible accomplices,” she said.

Ms John reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling the issue of illegal possession of arms in the state.

“Individuals that are unlawfully in possession of firearms should voluntarily surrender them or face the full weight of the law,” she said.

Ms John commended members of the public for their continued support and synergy with the police, saying, “We urge you to sustain the flow of timely and credible information to security agencies.” 

(NAN)