Akwa Ibom Police bust illegal gun factory, arrest two suspected gang leaders

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered an illegal firearms manufacturing facility in Okobo Local Government Area and arrested two suspected gang leaders in connection with the operation.

The suspects, identified as Effiong Ekpenyong and Godwin Nduaesa, were apprehended following an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, the raid was conducted along the Okobo–Eket axis after credible intelligence revealed the existence of a network involved in the fabrication and repair of illegal firearms.

She explained that the operation, which lasted about two hours, led to the recovery of multiple weapons and tools used in gun production.

Items recovered include:

Three English-made double-barrel guns

Two English-made single-barrel guns

10 locally fabricated single-barrel guns

Four iron barrels used in fabrication

Two gas cylinders

Toolboxes containing assorted fabrication instruments

One live cartridge

The police said the operation was part of broader efforts to dismantle illegal arms production and trafficking networks fueling violent crimes in the state.

The Command stated that investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and expand the scope of the crackdown.

It also reiterated its commitment to curbing the proliferation of small arms, which it described as a major driver of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and communal violence.

Authorities warned that individuals involved in illegal firearms manufacturing or possession would face prosecution as security operations intensify across the state.