Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 78-year-old man, Godwin Nduaesa, and his alleged accomplice, Effiong Ekpenyong, 39, for their suspected involvement in an illegal firearms manufacturing and maintenance network operating in the Okobo and Eket axes of the state. The arrests, carried out in the early hours of Tuesday, 2 June 2026, at about 3:00 a.m., were executed by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), a strategic initiative of the Inspector‑General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, designed to tackle violent crimes and emerging security threats. The operation was intelligence-led and targeted locations suspected of being used for the local fabrication, servicing, and repair of firearms.
According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Tuesday, the raid yielded a significant cache of weapons and equipment. Recovered items included: three English‑made double‑barrel guns, two English‑made single‑barrel guns, ten locally fabricated single‑barrel guns, four iron barrels used in gun fabrication, two gas cylinders, two toolboxes containing various fabricated implements and tools used for the construction, servicing, and repair of firearms, and one live cartridge. “The recovered items strongly indicate the existence of an illegal firearms fabrication and maintenance network operating within the affected areas,” the statement read.
The police spokesperson confirmed that preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement and to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged criminal network. The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking syndicates across the state. CP Azare 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 proliferation of small arms and light weapons has been identified as a major driver of violent crimes in Akwa Ibom, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and communal clashes. The latest breakthrough by the VCRU is part of a broader strategy to curb the spread of illegal firearms and enhance the safety and security of residents. The two suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, and the police have urged members of the public to provide credible information to aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
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