The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication syndicate operating in the state, leading to the arrest of three suspects linked to the production and distribution of locally made weapons.
Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed that the operation followed intelligence gathering and targeted raids carried out by officers of the command.
According to her, the first suspect, 27-year-old Miracle Udo, a native of Cross River State residing in Ikot Obio Offong, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, was arrested on July 24, 2026. A locally fabricated double-barrel cartridge gun was recovered from him during the operation.
During questioning, Udo reportedly admitted possessing the weapon and identified Edet Okon as the person who supplied it. Investigators subsequently arrested Okon, whose interrogation led officers to Kufre Stephen, 35, believed to be the fabricator of the firearm.
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A search conducted during the operation uncovered tools and equipment suspected to have been used in manufacturing illegal firearms, confirming the existence of a clandestine arms production workshop.
Police said investigations further revealed the involvement of another suspect, identified as a welder who allegedly assisted in fabricating the weapons.
The command noted that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and dismantle the remaining members of the criminal network, while assuring residents of its commitment to combating illegal arms proliferation and ensuring public safety.
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