- She explained that officers raided locations believed to be used for the manufacture
- Items seized during the operation included three double-barrel guns, two single-barrel guns
- Police also recovered toolboxes containing equipment and fabricated materials allegedly used in the construction
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have uncovered an illegal firearms production and repair centre in Okobo Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of two suspected gang leaders.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the suspects, identified as Effiong Ekpenyong and Godwin Nduaesa, were apprehended during a targeted operation carried out along the Okobo-Eket corridor following intelligence reports on illegal weapons activities in the area.
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According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, the operation was conducted as part of efforts by the command to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the state.
She explained that officers raided locations believed to be used for the manufacture, maintenance and repair of firearms, resulting in the discovery of a weapons workshop and the recovery of several firearms and equipment.
Items seized during the operation included three double-barrel guns, two single-barrel guns, 10 locally manufactured firearms, four metal barrels used in gun production, two gas cylinders and a live cartridge.
Police also recovered toolboxes containing equipment and fabricated materials allegedly used in the construction and servicing of firearms.
The raid was carried out by personnel of the Violent Crime Response Unit, a specialised police squad established to tackle violent crimes and emerging security threats nationwide.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the suspects’ activities and identify other members of the network.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s determination to dismantle illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking operations, noting that the spread of firearms continues to fuel crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cult-related violence and communal clashes.
He warned individuals involved in the unlawful production, distribution or possession of weapons to abandon such activities or face prosecution under the law.
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