Police Arrest University Graduate for Operating Illegal Arms Fabrication Factory in Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made a significant arrest, detaining a graduate of the University of Uyo, Koabasi Marsodi, for operating an illegal arms fabrication facility. The arrest was part of the command's ongoing Operation Zero Black Spots, a strategic initiative aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, illegal arms production centers, and drug networks across the state.
Details of the Raid and Arrest
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives raided the suspected criminal facility located at Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo, on March 15, 2026, at about 2100 hours. The operation was based on credible intelligence reports that illicit chin-chin snacks laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the location. However, further investigations revealed a more sinister operation: the facility was not only used for producing narcotic-laced food items but also functioned as a clandestine arms and ammunition fabrication workshop.
Exhibits Recovered During the Operation
During a thorough search of the premises, police operatives recovered a wide array of incriminating items, including:
- Eight refilled cartridges
- Six empty expended cartridges
- One bag of gunpowder
- Refilling pellets and a pack of striking pins
- One rifle butt
- Filing, cutting, and drilling machines used for weapon fabrication
- Filing and cutting stones
- Assorted sets of saws and two machetes
- Substance suspected to be Indian hemp
- Packets of chin-chin suspected to be laced with Indian hemp
- Two pairs of black military boots, belts, and jacket
- One laptop computer
- Three live turtles suspected to be used for charms
- Other incriminating items
Suspects and Confessions
Two suspects were arrested during the operation: Marsodi John and Koabasi Marsodi, also known as FIVE. Both are indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, allegedly operates the illegal facility. He confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.
Police Response and Warnings
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reaffirmed the command's unwavering resolve to identify, dismantle, and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution, and other criminal activities that threaten public safety. He warned that any individual or group involved in criminal enterprises within the state should immediately desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, as the command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across all identified black spots.
Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information, with assurances that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The suspects are currently in police custody, while discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network mentioned during interrogation.
