Akwa Ibom State Police Command, says it has successfully dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication factory in Itam, Itu local government area of the state.
It added that the operatives arrested two suspects involved in the fabrication of local guns that are being allegedly supplied to robbers and cultists.
The Command’s Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Tuesday said the arrest was made following a targeted intelligence-led operation.
Her words, “Credible intelligence had earlier indicated that Aniekan Aniedi, a 39-year-old male resident of Itam Village, Itu Local Government Area, was actively engaged in the production of locally fabricated and illegal firearms, which were being supplied to armed robbers and cultists in the region.
“Operatives of the Command stormed the factory on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at around 18:57 hours. The operation led to the arrest of the primary suspect, Aniekan Aniedi, and a second individual, Ubong Udofia, a 35-year-old male, believed to be an accomplice in the illegal enterprise.”
She said a comprehensive search of the illicit factory led to the recovery of cache of weapons, tools, and materials used in the manufacturing process. She listed the recovered items to include: three (3) fabricated locally made guns, five (5) pieces of metal pipes, two (2) iron rods, assorted copper wires, two (2) flat metals designed for fabricating gun butts.
She said the tools and machinery, central to the illegal production line- wielding machine, mini electric screwdriver, electric filing machine were also seized as evidence.
The PPRO further said investigation had begun to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ network, identify their clients, and get possible links of their operations to other criminal activities adding that they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Meanwhile, she said the Commissioner, CP Baba Mohammad Azare fsi, has commended the operatives for their swift and effective action.
“He stated that the operation is a significant blow to the illicit arms supply chain fueling violence and criminality in our state.
CP Azare urged members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information on suspicious activities within their communities, assuring that all information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” the statement added.
