By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
An illegal firearms fabrication factory located in Itu Local Council of Akwa Ibom has been dismantled by the Police with two suspects apprehended in a targeted intelligence-led operation.
A statement from the State Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO, Timfon John, made available to newsmen in Uyo on Tuesday said this was part of ongoing efforts to rid the State of criminality.
Credible intelligence according to the statement had earlier indicated that Aniekan Aniedi, a 39-year-old male resident of Itam Village in Itu LGA 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.” It said.
The release further stated that a acomprehensive search of the illicit factory yielded a significant cache of weapons, tools, and materials used in the manufacturing process.
“The recovered items include three fabricated locally made guns, Five pieces of metal pipes, two iron rods
assorted copper wires and two flat metals designed for fabricating gun butts.
Also recovered were one Welding Machine, one Mini Electric Screwdriver
And one Electric Filing Machine.
“An intensive investigation is currently ongoing to uncover the full extent of the suspects’ network, identify their clients, and get possible links of their operations to other criminal activities. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of the investigation.” It said.
The operation, according to the statement would be 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.” It concluded.
