The Police Command in Akwa Ibom on Friday said it intercepted 415 live cartridges in a commercial vehicle along Itu – Calabar highway.
This is contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John in Uyo.
John said the live cartridges were intercepted on Jan. 23, during a routine patrol by operatives of the command along the highway.
“On Jan. 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 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,” John said.
The PPRO said that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has ordered 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 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)
