Police Arrest Three in Akwa Ibom Gun-Making Bust

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command conducted a major operation on July 24, 2026, dismantling an illegal firearms fabrication syndicate and arresting three suspected cultists involved in the unlawful possession and manufacture of weapons. The operation, which was intelligence-driven, resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated double-barrel cartridge gun from Miracle Udo, 27, a native of Cross River State residing in Ikot Obio Offong, Ibesikpo Asutan local government area.

Udo confessed to possessing the firearm and identified Okon as his supplier. Following this, police operatives tracked and arrested Okon.

Further investigations led to the arrest of Kufre Stephen, 35, from Nsit Atai local government area, identified as the suspected fabricator of the firearm. A search during the operation uncovered several tools and materials used for illegal firearm production, confirming the existence of a clandestine gun-manufacturing network.

Another suspect, a welder who assisted in the fabrication process, remains at large as police efforts continue to apprehend him.