UYO – The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against crime, uncovering an illegal gun manufacturing facility and disrupting a sea piracy network in simultaneous operations.
The successes were disclosed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Baba Mohammed Azare, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo on Tuesday.
In a targeted raid on Ekit Itam Village in Itu Local Government Area, police operatives busted a clandestine workshop fabricating firearms. Two suspects, Aniekan Aniedi, 39, and Ubong Udofia, 35, were arrested at the scene.
Exhibits recovered from the factory included three finished locally made pistols, five metal pipes, two iron rods, copper wire, flat metal plates intended for gun butts, a welding machine, and various electric tools. CP Azare assured the public that an investigation is underway to “identify and apprehend their criminal network of armed robbers and cultists.”
In a separate marine operation on November 3rd, conducted in collaboration with a local security group, Marine Hunters, police intercepted and arrested a 27-year-old suspected militant, Samuel Geofrey from Bayelsa State.
“Geofrey confessed to being an active militant involved in sea piracy and kidnapping,” CP Azare stated. “He disclosed that his rifle was in the custody of one Kingdom Bane, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village.”
A subsequent raid on the village head’s residence led to his flight, but a search yielded a trove of items believed to be stolen from sea travelers. Recovered goods included multiple marine engines, powerheads, gearboxes, generators, and a deep freezer. The suspect remains in custody as manhunts for the fugitive village head and the rifle continue.
The police also paraded suspects involved in other criminal activities. Umar Bello was arrested with 31 stolen mobile phones, while others, including Maxwell Asuquo and Etin Akpan, were apprehended for handling stolen tricycles and vehicle parts.
In a crackdown on crimes disguised as cultural practices, one Solomon Edem from Abak was arrested for using a masquerade costume to rob victims. Two cult leaders from Ekpenyong Ikot Isang were also charged for illegal assembly and extortion.
“The era of hiding criminality behind cultural practices is over,” CP Azare declared, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of crime in the state.
