December 03, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has uncovered a gun factory operated by a father and his sons, where firearms of different makes are fabricated and sold to criminals within and outside the state.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph O. Eribo, stated this on Monday while briefing journalists on the achievements of the Command in fighting crime and parading criminal suspects arrested for various crimes at different locations in the state, at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.
According to him, the gun factory was busted based on credible information at the Command’s disposal and operatives of the Command, who responded swiftly stormed the factory, arresting one suspect, while others escaped.
The CP said during the operation, one David Nse Emmanuel ‘m’ was arrested, while his father, Akpan Nse Emmanuel ‘m,’ and his brothers, who jointly run the business, fled.
Items recovered included seven (7) newly made single-barrel guns, five (5) newly made double-barrel guns, one (1) special steel double-trigger pistol, one (1) broken single-barrel gun, one (1) trigger-handle walking stick knife, several cut iron pipes used for constructing gun barrels.
Eribo assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and trace those who purchased or ordered firearms from them.
Also, a suspected child trafficker, who made away with five children from one mother, one Promise Boniface ‘m’, was arrested at Obio Ibiono. The five (5) children were rescued unhurt and reunited with their parents. The motorcycle used by the suspect in committing the crime was recovered.
According to the police commissioner, “The arrest came on the heels of a distress call on 14/11/2024, at about 1510hrs, from one woman (name withheld), who reported that five (5) of her children had been taken away by an unknown man on a motorcycle.”
The Command’s operatives immediately swung into action in the company of villagers from Mbiakpan Ikot Idim and Obio Ibiono.
“On 25/10/2024, Information at the Command’s disposal led to the recovery of a black Toyota Corolla car, registration number ETN 674AA, suspected to have been stolen. Acting swiftly, operatives of the Command arrested one Kingsley Ernest Nelson ‘m’, 38. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been previously charged to court twice and remanded for similar offences. He confessed to starting his car-stealing operations in 2017, collaborating with partners based in Rivers State. The following items were recovered:
One (1) Toyota Sienna car with registration number DUU 692NZ
One (1) Toyota Rav4 jeep with registration number ETN 676AA (white)
Master keys used to unlock vehicles forcefully
Six (6) fake car documents
Investigations are ongoing to recover more stolen vehicles.
“On 24/10/2024, at about 2350 hrs, a man (name withheld) reported via a distress call that he was attacked by three armed men wearing black masks while driving his black Toyota Camry car. The armed men fired sporadically, dragged him out of the vehicle, and drove off. Operatives of the Command traced the suspects to Aba, Abia State, and arrested five individuals:
1. Clement Ime Okon ‘m’
2. Thomas Effiong ‘m’
3. Joseph Okon Edem ‘m’
4. Saviour Agbor ‘m’
5. Matthew Elijah Stephen ‘m’
The stolen car was recovered at a car stand where it was being negotiated for sale. Further investigation led to the recovery of three locally made pistols and charms. The suspects will have their day in court”, the police commissioner read.
CP Eribo, however, expressed gratitude to the media community in Akwa Ibom, for unwavering partnership and commitment to disseminating accurate and timely information, which have been instrumental in fostering a safer and more informed society.
He said the synergy between the press and the Police Command has not only ensured that the achievements are adequately reported but has also served as a critical link in building public confidence and trust.
He called on continued collaboration from members of the public as the Command strives to uphold the safety and security of every resident of Akwa Ibom State.
