The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects alleged to be involved in an illegal firearms fabrication syndicate operating in the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed in a statement issued in Uyo on Monday that the suspects arrested include Miracle Udo, 27; Edet Okon; and Kufre Stephen, 35.
According to the police, operatives carried out an intelligence-led operation on July 24, 2026, which led to the arrest of Udo, a native of Cross River State residing in Ikot Obio Offong, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
A locally fabricated double-barrel cartridge gun was reportedly recovered from him during the arrest.
The police spokesperson said Udo confessed to possessing the firearm and identified Edet Okon as the person who supplied the weapon to him.
Following further investigations, Okon was arrested, while continued efforts by the Command led to the apprehension of Stephen, who was identified as the suspected fabricator of the firearm.
DSP John added that a search operation carried out during the investigation led to the recovery of tools and materials allegedly used for illegal firearms production.
She noted that investigations uncovered the involvement of another suspect, believed to be a welder who assisted in the fabrication process.
The police said efforts are ongoing to arrest fleeing members of the syndicate and dismantle the entire criminal network.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.