Police uncover arms fabrication workshop in Akwa Ibom, arrest suspects
Police Detain Two Suspected Arms Fabricators and Drug Producers in Uyo
The police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested two individuals suspected of fabricating firearms and producing illegal drugs on Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John announced the detentions in a statement to the media on Monday. She noted that this operation is part of the police’s ongoing initiative, Operation Zero Black Spots, which aims to eliminate criminal hideouts and dismantle illegal arms and drug networks throughout the state.
According to John, the action was taken on Sunday at 9 p.m. following credible intelligence that a facility was being used to manufacture and distribute chin-chin snacks infused with Indian hemp.
“Upon raiding the premises, police operatives found that it was also functioning as a covert arms and ammunition fabrication workshop,” John explained.
During the search, authorities recovered multiple items, including eight refilled cartridges, six empty spent cartridges, one bag of gunpowder, refilling pellets, and a pack of striking pins. Additional items seized included a rifle butt, various machines used for weapon fabrication, assorted saws, two machetes, and a substance believed to be cannabis sativa.
John reported that packets of chin-chin suspected to be laced with cannabis, as well as military boots, belts, a jacket, a laptop, and three live turtles likely intended for use in charms, were also confiscated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the primary suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, is a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo and is allegedly operating the illegal facility. One of the suspects reportedly confessed to producing the narcotic-laced chin-chin and modifying firearms into shorter, more concealable weapons.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to apprehend additional members of the criminal network identified during interrogations.
Commissioner of Police Baba Azare reiterated the department’s commitment to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting those involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution, and other criminal activities that jeopardize public safety. He warned that anyone engaging in such enterprises should cease immediately or face severe legal consequences.
