In a significant development underscoring Nigeria's ongoing struggle against the proliferation of illegal arms, the Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 65-year-old man, identified as Akpan Godwin, for allegedly being in possession of over 1,100 rounds of live ammunition. The suspect was apprehended by the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) on Friday, August 22, at Nkpor, a densely populated town located near Onitsha, the commercial hub of southeastern Nigeria.
This arrest marks a critical point in the state’s intensified crackdown on illegal arms dealers and trafficking networks that continue to undermine security and public safety in the region.
How the Arrest Unfolded
According to a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Anambra State Police Command, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect was arrested following credible intelligence received by the command’s Rapid Response Squad. Acting swiftly on the tip-off, the operatives moved into position and successfully intercepted Godwin at Nkpor, where he was reportedly acting suspiciously.
> “Police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested one Akpan Godwin ‘m’, aged 65 years, in possession of 1,100 rounds of live ammunition,” SP Ikenga stated in the release made available to journalists on Saturday, August 23.
The ammunition, which consisted of assorted calibers commonly used in assault rifles and handguns, was concealed in packaging designed to disguise the content and avoid suspicion. A senior police officer involved in the operation, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the ongoing investigation, disclosed that the suspect offered no immediate resistance but appeared unsettled and evasive during questioning.
Confession and Ongoing Investigations
During preliminary interrogation, Akpan Godwin is said to have confessed to being involved in the illegal sale of ammunition, a business he admitted to having operated for “a number of years.” His confession reportedly included details of other individuals involved in the illicit arms supply chain within and beyond Anambra State.
SP Ikenga further revealed that the suspect had begun naming accomplices and suppliers, giving investigators valuable leads into the operations of a potentially wider arms trafficking network.
> “The Command’s operatives have stepped up the investigation and launched a manhunt to uncover and apprehend all accomplices involved in the arms trafficking syndicate,” Ikenga said, adding that the investigations are ongoing and that more arrests are expected in the coming days.
Illegal Arms: A Threat to Security
The arrest highlights a growing concern across Nigeria about the unchecked movement and availability of illegal weapons, especially in regions grappling with violence, armed robbery, cultism, and communal clashes.
Anambra State, in particular, has witnessed an increase in violent incidents involving the use of firearms—ranging from gang violence, kidnappings, to politically motivated attacks. The presence of illegal arms exacerbates these issues, complicating the efforts of security agencies to restore law and order.
Security experts have long warned that the availability of unregulated ammunition and firearms is one of the most pressing internal security threats in the country. The easy access to arms emboldens criminal gangs, separatist agitators, and politically sponsored thugs, all of whom continue to endanger lives and property.
In a country where legitimate access to firearms is tightly controlled by law, the discovery of over 1,000 rounds of live ammunition in the hands of an unlicensed civilian is not just shocking—it is deeply troubling.
Law Enforcement’s Renewed Crackdown
The arrest comes amid a renewed push by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Nigerian Police Force to curb the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition nationwide. Several state police commands have recently launched intelligence-driven operations aimed at disrupting arms trafficking routes, dismantling illicit gun markets, and tracking cross-border smuggling of weapons.
In Anambra, the efforts have been spearheaded by the state's police leadership, who have consistently warned that criminal elements will not find refuge in the state. The Rapid Response Squad, in particular, has been instrumental in executing high-risk operations, including busting kidnapping dens, raiding cultist hideouts, and intercepting arms dealers like Godwin.
SP Ikenga reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring public safety and urged residents to continue sharing credible information that could lead to further arrests.
> “We are appealing to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Community participation is essential in winning the fight against the illegal arms trade,” Ikenga said.
Legal Implications for the Suspect
With the magnitude of the ammunition found in his possession, Akpan Godwin is likely to face serious criminal charges under Nigerian law. The Firearms Act of Nigeria categorically prohibits the possession, distribution, or sale of firearms and ammunition without proper licensing or authorization from the appropriate government agencies.
Under Section 27 of the Firearms Act, unlawful possession of ammunition can result in a sentence of several years in prison, especially when the volume suggests intent to distribute or supply to armed groups. The nature of his confession—indicating involvement in the illegal arms trade—could see him facing charges ranging from unauthorized possession to conspiracy and aiding criminal activity.
In addition, if his links to other criminal networks are confirmed, the suspect could be charged under Nigeria’s Terrorism (Prevention) Act, depending on the nature of the buyers and intended use of the arms.
Legal analysts have also suggested that the suspect could become a key witness in future prosecutions, should he provide testimony that leads to the dismantling of the wider trafficking ring.
Community Reaction and Implications
The arrest has sparked a mix of shock and relief among residents of Onitsha and Nkpor, areas that have seen their share of criminal incidents over the years. Some community leaders, speaking under anonymity, expressed concern that someone as elderly as Godwin could be involved in such a dangerous business.
One resident noted, “At 65, this man should be retired and advising the youth. Instead, he’s allegedly helping put guns in their hands. It’s disheartening.”
Local vigilante groups have also praised the police for their swift action and called for increased patrols and intelligence gathering, especially in densely populated neighborhoods where illegal activities often go unnoticed.
The incident further underscores the need for collaborative policing, where traditional rulers, community associations, and the general public actively support law enforcement efforts.
What Happens Next?
For now, Akpan Godwin remains in custody, assisting investigators as they pursue leads and seek to uncover the full extent of the illegal operation. The police have not yet disclosed whether any of the suspect’s alleged accomplices have been arrested or if any firearms were recovered alongside the ammunition.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes will be on how the police handle this case, which could become a landmark in the fight against arms proliferation in the Southeast.
Stakeholders are also calling for the Nigerian government to bolster border security, enhance surveillance in ports and hinterlands, and deploy more advanced tracking systems to monitor the movement of arms into the country.
The arrest of 65-year-old Akpan Godwin with over 1,000 live rounds of ammunition is a wake-up call for authorities and communities alike. It highlights the persistent and deeply entrenched challenge of illegal arms trafficking in Nigeria and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to stem the tide.
While law enforcement deserves commendation for this successful operation, the road ahead remains long. Dismantling arms trafficking networks will require more than arrests—it will demand sustained investment in intelligence, community trust-building, regional cooperation, and judicial follow-through.
For now, the Anambra Police Command’s actions have sent a clear message: there will be no safe haven for arms dealers, no matter their age, status, or location.
