January 30, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered 415 live cartridges from a commercial bus intercepted along the Calabar–Itu Highway.
The operation took place at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, during a routine stop and search patrol.
The bus, with registration number ARR 600 ZY, was traveling toward Calabar when officers discovered the ammunition concealed in a carton inside the vehicle.
The driver, identified as Ikenna, claimed the cartridges were a waybill consignment he was delivering to an unidentified recipient in Calabar and denied ownership of the items.
The exercise was marked by a confrontation when a commuter identified as Excel allegedly obstructed the officers.
Another passenger named Bright, who claimed to be an official of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission but failed to provide identification, was also accused of assaulting the police. Both individuals were arrested at the scene.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of 36 year old Ndubisi Raphael in Calabar. Raphael, an indigene of Nyaje Village in Cross River State, is believed to be connected to the illegal shipment.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the arrests and stated that the ammunition has been taken into custody as evidence.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a thorough investigation to identify the source and intended destination of the cartridges.
He warned the public against the proliferation of illegal arms and emphasized that the command will prosecute anyone found obstructing police officers in the line of duty.
The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
