RismadarVoice Reporters, June 2, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled an alleged illegal firearms manufacturing and repair network operating in parts of the state, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of several weapons and gun-making equipment.
The operation was carried out by the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) in the early hours of Tuesday across the Okobo and Eket areas of the state.
Police said the raid was conducted based on credible intelligence indicating that the locations were being used for the fabrication and servicing of firearms.
The operation, led by the Commander of the VCRU, CSP Koko Ebong, resulted in the recovery of 15 firearms and various tools allegedly used in the production and repair of weapons.
Items recovered include three English-made double-barrel guns, two English-made single-barrel guns, ten locally fabricated single-barrel guns, four iron barrels used for gun production, two gas cylinders, two toolboxes containing fabrication and repair tools, and one live cartridge.
The police identified the suspects as Effiong Ekpenyong, 39, and Godwin Nduaesa, 78.
According to the command, preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in the alleged operation and to identify other members of the network.
Commenting on the development, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, described the operation as a significant breakthrough in efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.
He noted that the illegal manufacture and circulation of weapons remain major contributors to violent crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related activities, and other security threats.
“The recovery underscores the command’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms and enhancing public safety across the state,” the commissioner said.
Azare warned individuals involved in the unlawful production, repair, or distribution of firearms to desist from such activities or face the full weight of the law.
He also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention and the arrest of criminal suspects.
The Violent Crime Response Unit was recently established as part of the Inspector-General of Police’s initiative to strengthen intelligence-led policing and combat emerging violent crimes nationwide.
Police authorities said further updates would be provided as investigations progress.
