Police Arrest 78-Year-Old and Accomplice for Illegal Gun Manufacturing in Akwa Ibom

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

The arrests happened early on Tuesday during a well-planned raid by the Violent Crime Response Unit. This unit was set up by the Inspector-General of Police to tackle violent crimes and new security threats.

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

The statement explained that the police acted on reliable intelligence. They targeted specific locations believed to be used for making, repairing, and servicing firearms.

During the raid, police recovered a large number of weapons and equipment thought to be used for making and fixing firearms. The statement noted, "The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another major operational breakthrough in its sustained campaign against the proliferation of illegal firearms and the activities of criminal elements across the state."

"The success was achieved by operatives of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit, a strategic initiative of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, designed to aggressively tackle the menace of violent crimes and other emerging security threats."

Following the strategic plan from the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, the police acted on solid intelligence. They conducted a coordinated raid on places suspected of local firearm fabrication, servicing, and repair in Okobo and Eket.

The operation took place on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, around 3:00 a.m., and it showed significant results.

During the raid, police found three English-made double-barrel guns, two English-made single-barrel guns, ten locally made single-barrel guns, four iron barrels for gun making, two gas cylinders, two toolboxes with tools for making and fixing firearms, and one live cartridge.

"The recovered items strongly indicate the existence of an illegal firearms fabrication and maintenance network operating within the affected areas."

The police arrested two suspects: Effiong Ekpenyong, 39, and Godwin Nduaesa, 78. The police spokesperson emphasized the commitment of the Commissioner of Police to break up illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking networks in the state.

She said investigations are underway to find out how involved the suspects are and to catch other members of the alleged criminal group.

John added that the commissioner warned anyone involved in the 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 activities and ensure the safety of its residents.