Akwa Ibom Police Recover 415 Live Cartridges from Commercial Bus, Arrest Multiple Suspects

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered 415 live ammunition cartridges from a commercial bus traveling to Calabar, arresting several suspects in connection with the incident.

DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed that the cache was discovered during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Calabar–Itu Highway.

According to the statement, on 23 January 2026 at about 11:00 pm, officers intercepted a bus with registration number ARR600ZY. A thorough search revealed a carton containing 415 live cartridges. The vehicle was driven by Ikenna, who claimed the ammunition was not his but was being transported as a waybill consignment for an unidentified person in Calabar.

The police also reported that two passengers, identified as Excel and Bright, obstructed officers during the operation. Bright, who falsely claimed to be an official of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), allegedly assaulted officers and was promptly arrested alongside Excel.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Ndubisi Raphael, a 36-year-old from Nyaje Village, Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, who was taken into custody in Calabar.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed a discreet and thorough investigation into the source and intended use of the recovered ammunition, vowing to prosecute all individuals found culpable.

The police recovery comes amid ongoing concerns over illegal arms trafficking along commercial routes in southern Nigeria.