BREAKING: Police Bust Illegal Gun Factory in Akwa Ibom, Arrest Two Suspected Gang Leaders

Police Dismantle Illegal Gun Manufacturing Factory in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered an illegal firearms manufacturing factory in Okobo Local Government Area and arrested two suspected gang leaders as part of efforts to combat the proliferation of weapons in the state.

The suspects, identified as Effiong Ekpenyong and Godwin Nduaesa, were apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that certain locations within the Okobo and Eket areas were being used for the fabrication, servicing, and repair of firearms.

Weapons and Equipment Recovered

The police said the operation, which lasted approximately two hours, led to the recovery of several firearms and tools allegedly used in the illegal production of weapons.

Items recovered included three English-made double-barrel guns, two English-made single-barrel guns, and 10 locally fabricated single-barrel firearms.

Security operatives also recovered four iron barrels believed to be used in gun fabrication, two gas cylinders, and two toolboxes containing various equipment allegedly used for the construction, repair, and maintenance of firearms.

A live cartridge was also recovered during the raid.

VCRU Records Major Operational Success

The police described the operation as one of the early successes recorded by the Violent Crime Response Unit, a specialised security initiative introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to tackle violent crimes and emerging security threats across the country.

The command noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ activities and identify other individuals linked to the alleged criminal network.

Police Warn Against Illegal Firearms Activities

The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling illegal firearms manufacturing and trafficking networks operating within the state.

The police also warned individuals involved in the illegal production, repair, distribution, or possession of firearms to immediately cease such activities or face prosecution.

Authorities stressed that the widespread availability of illegal weapons continues to fuel crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other security challenges across the country.