AKWA IBOM POLICE VCRU BUSTS ILLEGAL GUN-MAKING NETWORK, RECOVERS FIREARMS
The newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough with the dismantling of an alleged illegal firearms manufacturing and repair network operating within parts of the state.
The operation led by the Commander, CSP Koko Ebong was carried out in the early hours of Tuesday across the Okobo and Eket axes, led to the recovery of several firearms and gun-making equipment, as well as the arrest of two suspects.
The VCRU, recently created as part of the Inspector-General of Police’s strategy to combat violent crimes and emerging security threats, acted on credible intelligence to raid locations suspected to be used for the fabrication and servicing of weapons.
Items recovered during the operation 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 production, two gas cylinders, two toolboxes containing fabrication and repair tools, and one live cartridge.
Police identified the suspects as 39-year-old Effiong Ekpenyong and 78-year-old Godwin Nduaesa. Authorities said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of their involvement and to track down other members of the suspected network.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, said the recovery highlights the Command’s commitment to curbing the proliferation of illegal firearms, which he described as a major driver of armed robbery, kidnapping, cult-related violence, and other crimes. He warned those involved in the illegal manufacture, repair, or distribution of weapons to desist or face prosecution.
The police also called on residents to continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending offenders.
