March 16, (THEWILL) — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State have raided an illicit arms fabrication workshop in Uyo, arresting two suspects, including a university graduate alleged to be producing narcotic-laced snacks for distribution.
The operation, carried out by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, followed intelligence reports that drug-laced chin-chin snacks were being produced at a facility located on Idem Street, off Itu Road in Uyo.
Police said the raid, conducted at about 9 p.m. on March 15, under the Command’s “Operation Zero Black Spots” initiative, uncovered not only a narcotic food production centre but also a clandestine workshop used for the fabrication and modification of firearms.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement on Monday that officers recovered several incriminating items during a search of the premises.
Recovered exhibits included 8 refilled cartridges, 6 expended cartridges, a bag of gunpowder, refilling pellets, a pack of striking pins, a rifle butt and various filing, cutting and drilling machines allegedly used for weapon fabrication.
Other items found at the scene were filing and cutting stones, assorted saws, two machetes, substances suspected to be Indian hemp, packets of chin-chin suspected to be laced with narcotics, two pairs of black military boots with belts and a jacket, a laptop computer and three live turtles suspected to be used for ritual purposes.
Two suspects, identified as Marsodi John and Koabasi Marsodi, also known as “Five”, were arrested during the operation. Both are said to be indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the principal suspect, Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, allegedly operated the illegal facility.
Investigators said the suspect confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.
Police said the suspects are currently in custody, while further investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network allegedly linked to the operation.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to dismantle criminal hideouts and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms production and drug distribution.
He also warned that individuals engaged in criminal enterprises across the state should desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that intelligence-driven operations would continue across identified crime flashpoints.
The police urged residents to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible information, assuring that such information would be treated with strict confidentiality.
