Akwa Ibom police arrest 23-year-old, recover loaded locally made shotgun
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has arrested a 23-year-old man after recovering a loaded locally made shotgun during an operation in Ikot Ekpene.
Police identified the man as Mfon Essien of Ikot Inyang Itak Village in Ikono Local Government Area.
According to the command, Essien was intercepted at about 12:30pm on September 6, 2026, along Ayah Road, off Uyo Road, Ikot Ekpene.
Police said officers acted on what they described as credible intelligence.
Police report one live cartridge
The command said officers searched Essien and recovered one locally made shotgun loaded with one live cartridge.
Police alleged that the firearm had been concealed in his clothing.
The weapon and cartridge were secured as exhibits.
The recovery of a loaded firearm does not, by itself, establish that Essien intended to commit a violent offence.
Investigation focuses on source and purpose
Police say investigators are examining how Essien obtained the firearm, why he was carrying it and whether there are links to other individuals or criminal groups.
Those remain investigative questions.
No wider criminal network has been established in the material reviewed by IDNN.
Legal status remains unresolved
Essien has been arrested, but arrest is not conviction.
The current publication file does not establish a filed charge, plea, bail decision, remand order or court judgment.
Police have framed the arrest as part of efforts to curb illegal firearms and violent crime in the state.
That is the command’s stated enforcement context and does not establish that Essien intended to commit violence.
For now, the verified position is limited:
Police say a 23-year-old man was arrested in Ikot Ekpene.
The command says one locally made shotgun loaded with one live cartridge was recovered.
Investigators are examining the source of the firearm, why it was being carried and whether there are wider links.
Any criminal responsibility remains for investigators and the courts to determine.