Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected illegal gun makers and recovered 15 firearms during a raid on suspected weapons production and repair centres in Okobo and Eket Local Government Areas of the state.
A post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama said the operation was carried out in the early hours of June 2, following intelligence reports aimed at curbing the spread of small and light arms across the state.
Police sources disclosed to Makama that the raid took place at about 3:00 a.m. and was executed by detectives attached to the Command’s Counter Violent Crime and Rescue Unit, VCRU, under the supervision of senior police officers.
According to the sources, the operation targeted suspected illegal firearms fabrication and repair locations in the two local government areas.
“During the operation, officers recovered three English double-barrel guns, two English single-barrel guns, and ten locally fabricated single-barrel guns. Also recovered were two iron barrels, two gas cylinders, and two tool boxes containing equipment allegedly used in the fabrication and repair of firearms, as well as one live cartridge,” Makama said.
The suspects arrested in connection with the exhibits were identified as Effiong Okon Ekpenyong, 39, of Oti Oro Village in Okobo Local Government Area, and Godwin Ebong Nduaesa, 78, of No. 20 St. Gregory Road in Eket Local Government Area.
Police sources said investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected arms manufacturing network.
Police authorities also restated their commitment to tackling unlawful arms production and strengthening internal security in the state.
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