Police find illegal gun and bullets in Akwa Ibom home

Police in Akwa Ibom State have started looking into an illegal firearm and live ammunition found in the home of Edet George. He lives in Ikot Akpan Afaha Village in Uyo Local Government Area.

The police shared this information in a statement from their Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Wednesday.

John explained that officers acted on intelligence reports and searched George's house. Neighbors claimed he often threatened people in the area with his gun.

After a careful search, they found one single-barrel gun and eight live cartridges hidden in the house.

"The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has achieved another major success by recovering a gun and live ammunition during an operation focused on reducing illegal arms and improving public safety in the state.

Acting on solid intelligence, Command operatives conducted this operation on July 11, 2026, around 7:00 a.m. at Edet George's residence. This was after reports that he often threatened community members with his firearm.

A thorough search led to the recovery of one single-barrel gun and eight live cartridges, which were hidden in the house," the statement said.

The police spokesperson mentioned that initial investigations have begun. They want to find out where the gun came from, if it is legal, and if it has been used in any crimes.

She also revealed that during the investigation, George's wife confirmed that he often used the gun to scare his family.

The statement added, "During the investigation, the suspect’s wife (name withheld) said that her husband regularly used the gun to threaten and intimidate not just community members but also his own family, including her and their children.

The police have taken the gun and ammunition into custody. They are still investigating to find out where the weapon came from, if it is legal, and if it has been involved in any crimes."

In the meantime, the statement said the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has emphasized the command’s commitment to fighting the spread of illegal firearms. He wants to ensure that anyone with illegal weapons or using them to scare innocent people faces justice.

Azare stated that the command is dedicated to protecting lives and property, maintaining public order, and continuing intelligence-driven operations to make the state safer for everyone.