Police arrest suspected arms fabricator in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has recorded a significant operational breakthrough after raiding illegal arms production centres and arresting suspected ammunition fabricators.

It stated that it carried the raid on 15th March 2026 at about 2100 hours when its operatives acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal facility located at Idem Street, off Itu Road in Uyo, the State capital.

Timfon John, DSP, a Spokesperson of the Command, said in a statement that “the operation was carried out following intelligence reports that “illicit chin-chin snacks laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the location.

“Upon  raiding the premises, Police operatives discovered that the facility was not only being used for the production of narcotic-laced food items but also served as a clandestine arms and ammunition fabrication workshop”, it stated.

According to the statement, during a thorough search of the premises, the following exhibits were recovered, eight refilled cartridges, six empty expended cartridges, one bag of gunpowder and refilling pellets.

Other suspected items recovered included a pack of striking pins, one rifle butt, filing, cutting and drilling machines used for weapon fabrication, filing and cutting stones, assorted sets of saws, two machetes as well as substance suspected to be Indian hemp.

Packets of chin-chin suspected to be laced with Indian hemp, two pairs of black military boots, belts and jacket, one laptop computer, three live turtles suspected to be used for charms and other incriminating items were also recovered.

“During the operation, two suspects were arrested, namely, Marsodi John, male, and Koabasi Marsodi, male, also Known as Five.

“Both suspects are indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State”, it stated.

According to the statement, preliminary investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, allegedly operates the illegal facility adding that he has “confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.”

It added that the suspects were currently in Police custody, while discreet investigation was ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network mentioned during interrogation.

It quoted the  Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare,  as reaffirming  the Command’s unwavering resolve to identify, dismantle and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution and other criminal activities that threaten public safety.