The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recovered 415 live cartridges from a commercial vehicle travelling from Akwa Ibom to Calabar, Cross River State. The discovery was made during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Calabar–Itu Highway, a major route linking Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.
The police also arrested several suspects in connection with the incident, as investigations continue to determine the source and intended use of the ammunition.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday.
According to the statement, the operation took place late in the night on January 23, 2026, at about 11:00 p.m.
DSP Timfon John said police operatives on routine patrol intercepted a commercial bus with registration number ARR600ZY, which was heading towards Calabar.
“On 23rd January, 2026 at about 2300 hours, operatives of the command while on routine stop-and-search patrol along the Calabar–Itu Highway, intercepted a commercial bus with registration number ARR600ZY, en route Calabar,” the statement said.
During a thorough search of the vehicle, the police discovered a carton hidden inside the bus. When the carton was opened, it was found to contain 415 live cartridges.
The bus was driven by a man identified as Ikenna, and there were other passengers on board at the time of the interception.
According to the police, the driver denied ownership of the ammunition.
“During a thorough search of the vehicle, a carton containing Four Hundred and Fifteen (415) live cartridges was recovered,” the statement said.
“Upon interrogation, the driver claimed that the ammunition was not his but was allegedly conveyed as a waybill consignment to an unidentified person in Calabar.”
The police said the driver’s claim raised further suspicion, especially as no clear details were provided about the sender or receiver of the consignment.
Transporting ammunition without proper authorisation is a serious offence under Nigerian law, and police say such items are often linked to violent crimes.
The police also disclosed that during the operation, some passengers attempted to obstruct officers while they were carrying out their lawful duties.
According to the statement, a commuter identified simply as “Excel” allegedly engaged in provocative conduct and tried to interfere with the search.
“During the operation, a commuter identified as ‘Excel’ obstructed officers in the lawful discharge of their duties by engaging in provocative conduct,” DSP John said.
Another commuter, identified as Bright, allegedly joined in the obstruction. Bright reportedly claimed to be an official of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
However, the police said he failed to produce any valid identification to support his claim.
“Another commuter, one Bright, who claimed to be an official of the ICPC but failed to produce a valid identification, joined in assaulting the police officers,” the statement added.
Both individuals were immediately arrested by the police at the scene.
The police said further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect in Calabar.
According to DSP John, a man identified as Ndubisi Raphael, aged 36, was arrested in Calabar and taken into police custody.
The suspect was described as an indigene of Nyaje village in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State.
“Upon further investigations, one Ndubisi Raphael, 36 years old, an indigene of Nyaje village of Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, was subsequently arrested in Calabar and taken into police custody,” the statement said.
The police did not immediately disclose the specific role played by the suspect but said investigations were ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has ordered a discreet and thorough investigation into the incident.
According to the police, the investigation is aimed at uncovering where the ammunition came from, who owns it and what it was intended to be used for.
“The Commissioner of Police has ordered a discreet and thorough investigation to unravel the source and intended use of the recovered ammunition, with a view to prosecuting all persons found culpable,” DSP John said.
The police also assured the public that all suspects involved would be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The recovery of such a large number of live cartridges has raised concerns about the movement of illegal arms and ammunition across states.
In recent years, security agencies have warned about the spread of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, which has been linked to crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cult violence and communal clashes.
Highways connecting states are often used by criminal networks to move weapons and other illegal items, sometimes hidden in commercial vehicles.
Police authorities have therefore stepped up stop-and-search operations, especially at night, to intercept such items and deter criminal activities.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said the latest operation shows the importance of routine patrols and vehicle checks.
According to security experts, many illegal weapons are intercepted through intelligence-led patrols and random searches, which help prevent crimes before they occur.
The police have urged members of the public to cooperate with security operatives during such operations, stressing that obstruction of officers can lead to arrest and prosecution.
The police also called on residents to report any suspicious movement or activities to the nearest police station.
They warned drivers, especially commercial drivers, to be careful about the goods they agree to transport, even when presented as waybill consignments.
Accepting to carry unknown items without proper documentation, the police said, can expose drivers to serious legal trouble.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state and beyond.
The command said it would continue to work with other security agencies to stop the illegal movement of arms and ensure the safety of residents.
As investigations continue, the police said more details would be made available to the public.