The Police Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom state Police Command, DSP Odiko Macdon, said it the force had recovered 47 illegal arms and 172 live ammunition and cartridges across the state.
Macdon said the recovery was in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, on recovery of prohibited firearms, ammunition and weapons across the country.
He said that the arms were recovered from suspected bandits, vigilance group and individuals.
According to him, arms recovered include three AK 47, one G3 rifle, three Pump action gun, three Single barrelled gun and 37 locally made pistols.
The police spokesman also said that within the month, the command arrested 17 suspects over alleged involvement in different forms of criminalities in the state. He said that some of the suspects were arrested for murder, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of fire arms.
Macdon said it was the determination of Commissioner of Police (CP) Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, to make Akwa Ibom one of the safest states in the country and a destination of choice for tourists.
He called on Akwa Ibom residents to maintain peace and stay in harmony with one another.