Police Raid Gun Fabrication Hubs, Arrest Two Suspects in Akwa Ibom

By: Zagazola Makama 

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have raided suspected illegal firearms fabrication and repair sites in Okobo and Eket Local Government Areas, arresting two suspects and recovering a cache of weapons and related materials.

Police sources said the operation was carried out on June 2 at about 3:00 a.m. following credible intelligence and in line with directives aimed at curbing the proliferation of small and light arms within the state.

The sources disclosed that the raid was conducted by detectives attached to the Command’s Counter Violent Crime and Rescue Unit (VCRU), under the supervision of senior police authorities.

During the operation, officers recovered three English double-barrel guns, two English single-barrel guns, and ten locally fabricated single-barrel guns. Also recovered were two iron barrels, two gas cylinders, and two tool boxes containing equipment allegedly used in the fabrication and repair of firearms, as well as one live cartridge.

Two suspects, identified as Effiong Okon Ekpenyong, 39, of Oti Oro Village in Okobo Local Government Area, and Godwin Ebong Nduaesa, 78, of No. 20 St. Gregory Road, Eket Local Government Area, were arrested in connection with the exhibits.

Police said preliminary investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other members of the suspected arms fabrication network for prosecution.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal arms proliferation and strengthening internal security across Akwa Ibom State.