Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have shut down a local arms fabrication factory and apprehended two suspects believed to be behind the illicit production and distribution of firearms within the state.
The well-coordinated operation, carried out by intelligence officers, led to the arrest of 39-year-old Aniekan Aniedi and his accomplice, 35-year-old Ubong Udofia, both residents of Itam community in Itu Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the suspects were arrested on Thursday, October 24, 2025, following credible intelligence that exposed their involvement in manufacturing and supplying locally made weapons to criminal gangs and cult groups across the region.
“The Command’s intelligence unit tracked the suspects after weeks of surveillance. The raid resulted in the discovery of a fully functional illegal factory where various firearms and weapon-making materials were recovered,” DSP John revealed.
During the search, police recovered several locally made guns, metal pipes, iron rods, copper wires, and flat metal sheets shaped for gun butts.
Other items seized from the site included a welding machine, an electric screwdriver, and a filing machine believed to be used in the production process.
DSP John added that investigations were ongoing to identify the suspects’ buyers and uncover other members of the network involved in the illegal arms trade.
“Our operatives are following several leads that could expose a wider criminal chain operating beyond Akwa Ibom State,” she stated.
Commissioner commends police team
Reacting to the operation, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammad Azare, praised the officers for their swift and professional handling of the case, describing the bust as “a major victory against the arms black market feeding violence in Akwa Ibom.”
He called on residents to remain vigilant and share credible intelligence with the police.
“Community collaboration remains vital in tackling crime. We assure the public that all shared information will be handled with utmost confidentiality,” Azare said.
The police authorities confirmed that both suspects are in custody and will be charged in court after the completion of investigations.