78-Year-Old Man and Accomplice Arrested for Making Illegal Guns in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested a 78-year-old man named Godwin Nduaesa and his 39-year-old accomplice, Effiong Ekpenyong. They are suspected of making illegal firearms in Okobo and Eket areas of the state.

The suspects were caught in the early hours of Tuesday during a raid by the Violent Crime Response Unit. This unit was set up by the Inspector-General of Police to fight violent crimes and security threats.

DSP Timfon John, the state Police Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement released in Uyo on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the operation was based on reliable intelligence. The police targeted specific locations believed to be used for making, servicing, and repairing firearms.

The police reported that the raid resulted in the recovery of several weapons and equipment thought to be used for making and maintaining firearms.

The statement said, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another major operational breakthrough in its ongoing fight against illegal firearms and the activities of criminals across the state.

“The success was achieved by the Violent Crime Response Unit, a key initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, designed to effectively tackle violent crimes and other security threats.

“Following the strategic directives from the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, aimed at stopping the spread of small arms, the command acted on credible information. They conducted a coordinated raid on suspected locations for local fabrication, servicing, and repair of firearms within Okobo and Eket.

“The operation took place in the early hours of Tuesday, June 2, 2026, around 3:00 a.m., and produced significant results.”

During the operation, police recovered three English-made double-barrel guns, two English-made single-barrel guns, 10 locally made single-barrel guns, four iron barrels for gun making, two gas cylinders, and two toolboxes filled with tools for constructing, servicing, and repairing firearms. They also found one live cartridge.

“The items recovered suggest there is an illegal firearms manufacturing and maintenance network in the affected areas.

“After the operation, two suspects were arrested: Effiong Ekpenyong, 39, and Godwin Nduaesa, 78,” the statement mentioned.

The police spokesperson emphasized the Commissioner of Police's commitment to breaking down illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking networks in the state.

She said investigations have started to find out how deeply the suspects were involved and to catch other members of the alleged criminal group.

John also warned anyone involved in illegal production, repair, distribution, or possession of firearms to stop immediately or face serious consequences under the law.

She stressed that the command is determined to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.