The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has successfully dismantled a suspected illegal firearms fabrication syndicate, arresting three suspects and recovering a locally fabricated double-barrelled cartridge gun along with equipment allegedly used in manufacturing weapons. The operation exposed an illicit arms production network operating within the state, according to the police.
Arrest of Suspects and Recovery of Firearms
On Friday, operatives arrested Miracle Udo, a 27-year-old from Cross River State residing in Ikot Obio Offong, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. A locally fabricated double-barrelled cartridge gun was recovered from him at the point of arrest. During interrogation, Udo admitted possessing the firearm and identified Edet Okon as the supplier. Investigators subsequently apprehended Okon, leading to further intelligence gathering that pointed to Kufre Stephen, a 35-year-old from Nsit Atai Local Government Area, as the suspected fabricator of the weapon.
A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several tools and materials suspected to be used in the illegal fabrication of firearms, confirming the existence of an unlawful gun manufacturing operation. Police spokeswoman Timfon John disclosed in a statement that investigations have revealed the involvement of another suspect, believed to be a welder who regularly assisted in the fabrication process. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and dismantle every link in the criminal network.
Background of Police Crackdown on Illegal Firearms
The latest discovery comes amid intensified efforts by the police to stem the circulation of illegal firearms and tackle violent crimes across Akwa Ibom. In recent months, the command has recorded several recoveries of locally made weapons. In June, police arrested an armed robbery suspect in Uyo and recovered a locally fabricated firearm following a distress call from residents, while other members of the gang escaped. Earlier that month, operatives also recovered a locally made pistol and substances suspected to be cannabis during an intelligence-led operation in Ibeno Local Government Area. The command also arrested a man found with a toy AK-47 rifle after he allegedly claimed to work for the Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, Aniekan Umanah, as a vigilante operative.
These operations are part of a broader crackdown announced by the state’s Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, in May. At the time, Azare stated that the command arrested 178 suspects linked to armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, drug trafficking and other crimes within five months. He also announced the recovery of 69 firearms, including locally made pistols, Dane guns and an AK-47 rifle, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition through intelligence-led operations across the state.
Shift from Recovery to Dismantling Networks
The latest operation, which uncovered the alleged firearms fabrication workshop, marks a shift from merely recovering illegal weapons to dismantling the networks suspected of manufacturing and supplying them. Investigations continue to identify other members of the syndicate. The police spokeswoman emphasized that the command remains committed to combating violent crime and curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms across Akwa Ibom.
