By Staff Reporter
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dealt a major blow to the illegal arms trade with the dismantling of a suspected firearms fabrication syndicate, arresting three suspected cultists and uncovering a clandestine gun manufacturing operation in the state.
The breakthrough followed an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Command, who arrested 27-year-old Miracle Udo on July 24, 2026, at Ikot Obio Offong in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
Police recovered a locally fabricated double-barrel cartridge gun from the suspect during the operation.
Investigators said Udo confessed to possessing the weapon and identified one Edet Okon as the person who allegedly supplied it to him. Acting on the confession, detectives tracked down and arrested Okon, widening the investigation into what authorities described as an organised illegal arms network.
The trail eventually led officers to the suspected gun fabricator, 35-year-old Kufre Stephen, a native of Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
A search of the suspect’s premises uncovered tools, equipment and materials believed to have been used in the production of locally made firearms, confirming the existence of an illegal gun manufacturing workshop.
Police further disclosed that investigations revealed the involvement of another suspect, believed to be a welder who regularly assisted in fabricating the weapons. The suspect is currently on the run, while efforts have been intensified to arrest him and dismantle every remaining link in the criminal network.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, praised their professionalism, vigilance and commitment to fighting violent crime.
He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to eliminate criminal syndicates involved in illegal firearms production, cultism and other violent offences, stressing that those behind such activities would be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The police chief also applauded residents for providing credible intelligence that contributed to the success of the operation and urged members of the public to remain vigilant by promptly reporting suspicious persons and activities to security agencies.
The latest operation is seen as a significant boost to the Command’s ongoing campaign against the proliferation of illegal weapons and organised criminal groups across Akwa Ibom State.
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