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

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

The arrest happened early on Tuesday during a raid by the Violent Crime Response Unit. This unit is a special team set up by the Inspector-General of Police to deal with violent crimes and security issues.

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

According to the statement, the raid took place based on reliable intelligence. The police targeted places believed to be used for making, fixing, and servicing firearms.

During the operation, the police found many weapons and tools that were allegedly used to make and repair guns.

The statement said, "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."

It continued, "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."

The statement also mentioned the directive from Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare. This directive aims to reduce the spread of small arms and light weapons.

The police acted on good intelligence to carry out a well-planned raid on places suspected to be used for making and fixing firearms in Okobo and Eket.

The operation started at around 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. It brought back significant results.

Among the items recovered were 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 gun construction and repair, and one live cartridge.

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

After the raid, the police arrested the two suspects: Effiong Ekpenyong, 39, and Godwin Nduaesa, 78.

The police spokesperson emphasized the commitment of the Commissioner of Police to break down illegal arms manufacturing and trafficking groups in the state.

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

John also warned anyone involved in making, fixing, distributing, or possessing illegal firearms to stop immediately or face serious consequences.

She stressed that the police will continue to work hard to keep the state safe and free from criminals.