Police bust illegal gun-making ring in Akwa Ibom

The Nigeria Police Force in Akwa Ibom State has found a suspected illegal gun-making and repair network in the state. This operation led to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of various firearms and tools used in gun making.

Police operatives from the newly formed Violent Crime Response Unit carried out the operation during raids in Okobo and Eket local government areas of Akwa Ibom.

On Tuesday, police spokesperson Timfon John released a statement saying the operation was based on reliable intelligence about places suspected of local gun fabrication, servicing, and repair.

Guns recovered by the police in Akwa Ibom

Ms John, who is a deputy superintendent of police, mentioned that the raids took place in the early hours of Tuesday. This operation is part of the command's efforts to fight against illegal arms and violent crimes.

The police recovered three English-made double-barrel guns, two English-made single-barrel guns, and 10 locally made single-barrel guns. They also found four iron barrels believed to be used for gun making, two gas cylinders, two toolboxes with tools for constructing and repairing firearms, and one live cartridge.

“The recovered items strongly indicate the existence of an illegal firearms fabrication and maintenance network operating within the affected areas,” the police said.

Arrested suspects

The police named the arrested suspects as Effiong Ekpenyong, 39, and Godwin Nduaesa, 78.

The command stated that investigations are ongoing to find out how involved they are and to identify other suspected members of the network.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, said the command is dedicated to breaking down illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking groups.

He pointed out that the spread of firearms continues to cause crimes like armed robbery, kidnapping, violence from cult groups, and clashes between communities.

In March, PREMIUM TIMES reported on how police in Akwa Ibom raided a gun-making workshop in Uyo, the state capital.