From Salihu Othman
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intercepted illegal firearms and criminal elements in Ikot Ekpene area of the state in its planned efforts to rid the state of crimes and criminality.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Timfon John said in a statement that operatives of the Command intercepted a Mercedes Benz C300 with customized plate number FORBES JR.
The PPRO said that the recovery process led to a search of the vehicle where a locally fabricated firearm and two live cartridges were found.
The operation, which took place at the Control Post in Ikot Ekpene, was part of the Command’s intensified stop-and-search strategy aimed at curbing crime and enhancing public safety.
The vehicle, which was flagged down for routine checks, had three male occupants who identified themselves as, Nsisong Paul Okon, 27, native of Itak Village, Ikono LGA
The other two are Francis Forbes, 62, of Ikot Akpa Edok Ndiya Village, Ikono Local Government Area, and Prince Forbes, 27, of Ikot Akpa Edok Ndiya Village, Ikono Local Government Area.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, ordered a full-scale investigation into the matter.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirms its zero tolerance for unlawful possession of firearms and remains resolute in ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state”‘ the statement confirmed.