The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on illegal firearms production and the proliferation of small arms across the state, following the dismantling of a suspected gun fabrication network operating within Okobo and Eket axis.
The operation, executed by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a large cache of locally fabricated and imported firearms, alongside equipment allegedly used for weapons production.
According to a statement issued by the Command, the raid was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at about 3:00 a.m., following credible intelligence on the activities of illegal arms makers and repairers in the affected areas.
The operation was conducted in line with directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, who has intensified efforts to curb the spread of small arms and light weapons linked to violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence, and communal clashes.
During the coordinated raid, officers recovered three English-made double-barrel guns, two English-made single-barrel guns, and ten locally fabricated single-barrel guns suspected to have been produced within the illegal network.
Other items recovered include four iron barrels used in gun fabrication, two gas cylinders, two toolboxes filled with manufacturing and repair implements, and one live cartridge.
Security sources described the recovery as a strong indication of an organised illegal firearms manufacturing and maintenance operation functioning within the state, posing a serious threat to public safety.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the crime. They were identified as Effiong Ekpenyong (39) and Godwin Nduaesa (78). The police confirmed that preliminary investigations have commenced to uncover the full scope of the network and identify other collaborators.
The Command reiterated that the proliferation of illegal arms remains one of the major drivers of insecurity in the state, warning that individuals involved in manufacturing, possession, or distribution of illegal weapons would face the full wrath of the law.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for the successful operation and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to dismantle all criminal networks undermining peace and security in Akwa Ibom State.
He further urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in the fight against crime.
The Police assured residents that intensified operations against illegal arms syndicates and violent criminals would continue across the state until such networks are completely dismantled.
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