The Police in Akwa Ibom State have arrested two suspects and recovered several illegal firearms and toolboxes containing various fabricated implements and other incriminating materials.
This was announced by the State Police Command through DSP Timfon John, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in a press release made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The PPRO said the success was achieved by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a strategic initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu PSC(+), NPM, designed to aggressively tackle the menace of violent crimes and other emerging security threats.
She said the Operatives, acting on credible intelligence and strategic directives of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, conducted a coordinated intelligence-led raid on identified locations suspected to be used for the local fabrication, servicing, and repair of firearms within the Okobo and Eket axes of the state.
She added that the operation, which was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at about 0300 hrs, yielded significant results, with the operatives recovering substantial exhibits.
The exhibits are three (3) English-made double-barrel guns; two (2) English-made single-barrel guns; ten (10) locally fabricated single-barrel guns; four (4) iron barrels used in gun fabrication; two (2) gas cylinders; two (2) toolboxes containing various fabricated implements and tools used for the construction, servicing, and repair of firearms; and one (1) live cartridge.
Also, two suspects, namely Effiong Ekpenyong, male, 39 years old, and Godwin Nduaesa, male, 78 years old, were arrested.
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She said preliminary investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of their involvement and to identify and apprehend other members of the criminal network.
“The recovered items strongly indicate the existence of an illegal firearms fabrication and maintenance network operating within the affected areas,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking syndicates, noting that the proliferation of firearms remains a major enabler of violent crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and communal violence.
He further warned individuals involved in the illegal production, repair, distribution, or possession of firearms to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law. The Command remains resolute in its mission to rid the State of criminal elements and ensure the safety and security of all residents.
He encouraged members of the public to continue supporting the Police by providing timely and credible information that will assist in preventing crime and apprehending offenders.
