Police uncover criminal armory, recover weapons in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the successful discovery of a criminal armory in Ikot Ekpene, leading to the recovery of several firearms and the arrest of a 72-year-old suspect.

According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the operation took place in the early hours of Saturday, April 26, 2025, at about 5:15am.

The joint police team apprehended one Monday Maurice Okoko, who was taken into custody during the operation.

A thorough search of his residence uncovered a collection of dangerous firearms, including one locally made revolver pistol, one cut-to-size locally made pistol, a single-barrel locally fabricated gun, one LAR locally fabricated gun, five Dane guns, gunpowder, and Borries ammunition.

The police said preliminary investigations are ongoing, as efforts continue to track down other suspected members of the criminal gang believed to be using the weapons to cause unrest in the state.

The statement reaffirmed that the command is commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents within Akwa Ibom State.