Mohammed Azare, the Akwa-Ibom State Commissioner of Police has directed the commencement of investigation as a regards a Mercedes Benz C300 model intercepted during a routine stop-and-search operation in Ikot-Ekpene Local Government Area of the state.
DSP Timfon John, the spokesperson of the Akwa-Ibom state command reveal this in a statement released in Uyo on Thursday.
The statement stated that the command frowns at illegal possession of firearms and that the command is committed to the security of lives and properties across the state.
It stated that operatives intercepted the vehicle with customized plate number FORBES JR, leading to the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm and two live cartridges in a Control Post in the area.
The statement explained that there are three occupants in the vehicles when it was stopped for routine check. The occupants were identified as Nsisong Paul Okon, 27 Francis Forbes, 62, and Prince Forbes, 27.
The three suspects occupants are all from Ikono local government of the state.
“In a determined effort to rid Akwa Ibom State of illegal firearms and criminal elements, operatives of the Command intercepted a Mercedes Benz C300 with customized plate number FORBES JR, leading to the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm and two live cartridges.
“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. The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba M. Azare, 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 partly read.