June 3 (THEWILL) — Operatives of the Akwa Ibom Police Command have dismantled a suspected illegal firearms manufacturing and maintenance network operating in parts of the state, recovering 15 firearms and arresting two suspects during a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
The operation, which targeted locations in Okobo and Eket Local Government Areas, resulted in the seizure of English-made and locally fabricated guns, as well as equipment allegedly used for the production, repair and servicing of firearms.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the breakthrough was recorded by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a specialised unit created by the Inspector-General of Police to combat violent crimes and emerging security threats across the country.
The police spokesperson said the raid was carried out in the early hours of June 2, following credible intelligence linking the locations to illegal firearms fabrication activities.
Items recovered during the operation included three English-made double-barrel guns, two English-made single-barrel guns, 10 locally fabricated single-barrel guns, four iron barrels used in gun production, two gas cylinders, two toolboxes containing fabrication and repair tools, and one live cartridge.
Police authorities said the exhibits point to the existence of an organised firearms fabrication and maintenance network operating within the affected communities. Two suspects identified as Effiong Ekpenyong, 39, and Godwin Nduaesa, 78, were arrested in connection with the operation.
The Command disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement and to track down other members of the network.
The State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s determination to dismantle illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking syndicates across the state.
He noted that the proliferation of firearms remains a major driver of violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence and communal clashes.
The police chief warned individuals engaged in the illegal production, repair, distribution or possession of firearms to desist or face prosecution, stressing that the command would sustain its crackdown on criminal networks threatening public safety.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to aid crime prevention and the arrest of offenders.
