A’Ibom Police Dismantle Illegal Firearms Factory, Arrest 2 Suspects
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have uncovered and dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication factory in Itam, Itu Local Government Area of the state, arresting two suspects linked to the criminal enterprise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the suspects — Aniekan Aniedi, 39, and Ubong Udofia, 35 — were apprehended on Thursday, October 24, 2025, following credible intelligence.
According to the statement, intelligence reports had earlier revealed that Aniedi was actively engaged in the fabrication of locally made firearms, which he supplied to armed robbers and cult groups within the region.
“Operatives of the Command stormed the illegal factory at about 6:57 p.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2025, in a targeted, intelligence-led operation,” the statement read.
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“The operation led to the arrest of the primary suspect, Aniekan Aniedi, and his accomplice, Ubong Udofia. A comprehensive search of the factory uncovered a cache of firearms, tools, and materials used in the production of illegal weapons.”
Recovered items included three locally fabricated guns, five metal pipes, two iron rods, assorted copper wires, and two flat metal sheets used for crafting gun butts. Also seized were one welding machine, one mini electric screwdriver, and one electric filing machine believed to be central to the production process.
DSP John said investigations are ongoing to uncover the suspects’ network, their clients, and any broader links to criminal groups. She added that the suspects would be charged to court upon completion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, commended the operatives for their swift and professional action, describing the operation as a significant blow to the illicit arms trade fueling violence in the state.
Azare also appealed to residents to continue sharing timely and credible information with the police to help sustain the fight against crime, assuring that all reports would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
By PRNigeria
