The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered a large cache of live ammunition and arrested several individuals in connection with its transportation along the Calabar–Itu Highway, authorities said on Sunday.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John reported that on January 23, around 11:00 p.m., officers conducting routine stop-and-search operations intercepted a commercial bus with registration number ARR600ZY traveling toward Calabar.
During a thorough search of the vehicle, officers discovered a carton containing 415 live cartridges.
The bus driver, identified as Ikenna, claimed he was unaware of the ammunition, saying it had been sent as a waybill consignment to an unidentified recipient in Calabar.
During the operation, two passengers, Excel and Bright, obstructed the police.
Bright allegedly claimed to be an ICPC official but failed to provide valid identification and reportedly engaged in a physical altercation with the officers.
Both were promptly arrested.
Further investigation led to the apprehension of Ndubisi Raphael, a 36-year-old man from Nyaje village in Cross River State, who was taken into custody in Calabar.
State Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azae has ordered a discreet investigation into the origin and intended use of the ammunition, warning the public against interfering with police duties.
He assured residents that the Command remains committed to ensuring safety and combating the proliferation of illegal arms across Akwa Ibom.
The seizure highlighted ongoing efforts by law enforcement to prevent the spread of weapons and maintain public security along major highways and in local communities.
