By Ime Silas
UYO, Akwa Ibom — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication network operating in the state, with the arrest of three suspected cultists and the recovery of a locally made double-barrel gun.
The breakthrough followed what the Command described as a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation carried out on July 24, 2026.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, operatives first arrested 27-year-old Miracle Udo, a native of Cross River State but resident of Ikot Obio Offong in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area. A locally fabricated double-barrel cartridge gun was recovered from him at the point of arrest.
During interrogation, Udo admitted to possessing the weapon and named one Edet Okon as the person who supplied it to him. Acting on that lead, police operatives tracked down and arrested Okon.
The investigation did not stop there. Detectives pushed further and arrested the suspected fabricator behind the weapon, identified as 35-year-old Kufre Stephen, an indigene of Nsit Atai Local Government Area.
A search of the premises linked to Stephen yielded several tools and materials believed to be used in the illegal production of firearms. Police say the findings confirmed the existence of an illicit arms manufacturing operation within the state.
The Command also disclosed that another suspect, described as a welder who regularly assisted in the fabrication process, has been identified. That suspect is currently on the run. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and to dismantle every link in the criminal network.
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, praised the operatives for their professionalism, vigilance and resilience during the operation.
“The Command remains unwavering in its commitment to identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal syndicates responsible for the circulation of illegal firearms, cult-related activities, and other violent crimes across the state,” Azare said in the statement.
He also acknowledged the role of members of the public in providing timely and credible information that continues to aid police efforts to rid communities of criminal elements.
The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue partnering with security agencies by reporting suspicious persons and activities through the appropriate channels.
The arrests come amid sustained efforts by the Akwa Ibom Police Command to curb cultism and the proliferation of illegal weapons, which authorities say fuel violent crime across parts of the state.
According to the State Police Spokesperson, investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be charged to court at the conclusion of the probe.
