Akwa Ibom man detained over intercepted 415 live cartridges

By Isaiah Eka

The Police have detained a 36-year-old man over 415 live cartridges loaded in a commercial vehicle intercepted along Itu – Calabar highway of Akwa Ibom.

The live cartridges were intercepted on Jan. 23, during a routine patrol by police operatives, DSP Timfon John, the spokesperson of the Command said in a statement on Friday in Uyo.

John said the live cartridges were discovered in a carton during a search of the vehicle by the operatives.

“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)