Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have dismantled a suspected illegal firearms fabrication workshop in the state, arresting two men believed to be involved in the production and distribution of locally made weapons to criminal groups. The operation, carried out in Itam village in Itu Local Government Area near Uyo, followed an intelligence-driven investigation into the activities of individuals allegedly manufacturing firearms for use by armed robbers and cult gangs operating in the region.
Police authorities identified the suspects as Aniekan Aniedi, 39, and Ubong Udofia, 35. According to the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Aniedi was believed to be the primary operator of the illicit workshop, while Udofia allegedly assisted in the operation. Investigators say the pair were arrested during a targeted raid carried out by police detectives at approximately 6:57 p.m. after credible intelligence indicated that illegal gun manufacturing was taking place at the location.
The police spokesperson for the state command, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Uyo. She explained that the operation was part of an ongoing effort by the command to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms and dismantle criminal networks responsible for supplying weapons to violent groups across the state. Intelligence reports had earlier revealed that Aniedi was actively producing locally fabricated firearms and distributing them to criminals involved in armed robbery and cult-related activities.
During the raid, police officers conducted a comprehensive search of the premises and discovered several weapons and materials believed to have been used in the production of firearms. Among the items recovered were three locally fabricated guns suspected to have been manufactured at the workshop. Officers also seized five metal pipes, two iron rods, assorted copper wires, and flat metal plates believed to have been intended for use in constructing gun components.
Investigators further recovered equipment believed to have been used in the fabrication process, including a welding machine, a mini electric screwdriver, and an electric filing machine. Police authorities said the machines formed part of the suspects’ makeshift production setup, allowing them to assemble crude firearms capable of being used in criminal operations.
Security officials described the discovery as a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal arms production in Akwa Ibom State. The presence of locally manufactured firearms has been a persistent concern for law enforcement agencies, as such weapons are frequently used by criminal gangs in armed robbery attacks, cult clashes, and other violent crimes. Because they can be produced cheaply and discreetly, locally fabricated guns are often easier for criminals to obtain compared with imported firearms.
According to police authorities, preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects had been supplying the illegal weapons to various criminal groups within the state and possibly beyond. Detectives believe the dismantled workshop formed part of a wider underground network that manufactures and distributes improvised weapons to criminals across the Niger Delta region.
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Mohammad Azare, commended the operatives who carried out the raid, describing the operation as a major blow to the illegal arms supply chain fueling violence in the state. He stated that dismantling such facilities is critical to reducing crime and protecting residents from the dangers posed by armed criminal groups.
Azare emphasized that the police command remains committed to strengthening intelligence-based operations aimed at identifying and destroying illegal arms manufacturing networks. He also called on members of the public to assist law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information about suspicious activities in their communities. According to the police commissioner, community cooperation is essential in detecting criminal enterprises before they grow into larger threats.
The police spokesperson noted that the suspects were taken into custody immediately after the operation and are currently assisting investigators with further inquiries. Authorities say the investigation is focused on identifying individuals or criminal groups who may have purchased firearms produced at the workshop and determining whether the suspects had accomplices involved in the manufacturing or distribution process.
Security experts say illegal firearms workshops have become an emerging challenge in parts of Nigeria where small-scale gunsmiths produce improvised weapons for criminal networks. Although the weapons are often crude in design, they can still inflict serious harm and are commonly used in robbery attacks, cult violence, and other forms of organized crime. Efforts to dismantle these workshops are therefore considered an important step in reducing the availability of illegal weapons in communities.
Authorities have indicated that the suspects will be charged in court after investigations are completed. Police officials also said efforts are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the suspects’ operations and dismantle any additional arms-production networks linked to the case.
Residents of the area have welcomed the operation, expressing relief that the suspected workshop has been shut down. Community members say the raid highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies in addressing security threats within the state.
For the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, the dismantling of the illegal firearms workshop represents another milestone in the broader campaign to curb the proliferation of weapons and strengthen public safety across the state. As investigations continue, authorities say the operation sends a clear message that illegal arms production and distribution will not be tolerated.
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