Police Bust Alleged Arms Fabrication Ring in Akwa Ibom, Arrest Key Suspect

March 19, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a suspected arms fabricator and recovered firearms in Uruan Local Government Area, in what it describes as a major breakthrough in the fight against illegal weapons production in the state.

The suspect, identified as Umo Udoh, was apprehended in the early hours of March 18, 2026, at about 7:45 a.m. in Ibiaku Uruan Village following what police said was credible intelligence and sustained surveillance operations.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrest followed an earlier operation conducted on March 17 as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal arms manufacturing and proliferation across Akwa Ibom.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Udoh is a key figure in a local arms fabrication network. Police allege he was actively involved in the illicit production of firearms and had trained other suspects previously arrested by the command.

The suspect has reportedly confessed to the allegations, even as items recovered from him include one Dane gun, a dismantled single-barrel gun, and a gun butt.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to dismantle illegal arms networks and prosecute those involved.

He warned individuals engaged in the unlawful manufacture, possession, or distribution of firearms to desist or face the full weight of the law, stressing that there would be no safe haven for criminal elements in the state.

According to the statement, investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate and bring them to justice.

The command also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, noting that public cooperation remains vital to sustaining peace and security across the state.