Police recover 15 firearms, arrest two suspected gun makers in Akwa Ibom
Police Uncover Gun Manufacturing Operation in Akwa Ibom
OKOBO, Nigeria — Officials from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command apprehended two individuals suspected of illegal firearms manufacturing during a raid in the early hours of June 2. The operation, which targeted suspected weapons production and repair centers in Okobo and Eket Local Government Areas, resulted in the recovery of 15 firearms.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, the police carried out the raid at approximately 3 a.m. following intelligence reports indicating the need to address the proliferation of small arms in the region. The operation was conducted by detectives from the Command’s Counter Violent Crime and Rescue Unit (VCRU) under the guidance of senior officers.
During the raid, authorities recovered three English double-barrel guns, two English single-barrel guns, and ten locally fabricated single-barrel guns. Additionally, they seized two iron barrels, two gas cylinders, and two toolboxes believed to contain equipment used for firearms fabrication and repair. One live cartridge was also found at the scene.
The suspects taken into custody have been identified as 39-year-old Effiong Okon Ekpenyong from Oti Oro Village, and 78-year-old Godwin Ebong Nduaesa residing on St. Gregory Road in Eket.
Investigations are currently underway, with police efforts focused on identifying and detaining other potential members of the arms manufacturing network. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to addressing illegal arms production and enhancing internal security throughout the state.
