By John Obi
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has uncovered a gun-making factory where firearms of different makes are fabricated and sold to criminals within and outside the state.
The factory,was operated by a father and his sons, the command said.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph O. Eribo, who stated this during a briefing with journalists at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo said the gun factory was uncovered based on credible information available to the command.
The CP said operatives of the command swiftly responded and stormed the factory, arresting a suspect while others managed to escape.
He confirmed that one David Nse Emmanuel, a male, was arrested, while his father, Akpan Nse Emmanuel, and his brothers, who jointly operated the business, fled the scene.
Items recovered during the operation included seven newly made single-barrel guns, five newly made double-barrel guns, one special steel double-trigger pistol, one broken single-barrel gun, one trigger-handle walking stick knife, and several cut iron pipes used for constructing gun barrels.
The CP assured that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and trace those who had purchased or ordered firearms from them.
In another development, a suspected child trafficker, Promise Boniface, was arrested at Obio Ibiono for abducting five children from the same mother. The children were rescued unharmed and reunited with their parents. The motorcycle used by the suspect in committing the crime was also recovered.
The CP explained that the arrest followed a distress call received on November 14, 2024, at approximately 3:10 p.m. from a woman (name withheld) who reported that an unknown man had taken her five children on a motorcycle.
“On 25/10/2024, information at the Command’s disposal led to the recovery of a black Toyota Corolla car, registration number ETN 674AA, suspected to have been stolen.
“Acting swiftly, operatives of the command arrested one Kingsley Ernest Nelson, aged 38 years. Investigations revealed that the suspect had been previously charged to court twice and remanded for similar offenses.
“He confessed to starting his car-stealing operations in 2017, collaborating with partners based in Rivers State. The following items were recovered: one Toyota Sienna car with registration number DUU 692NZ; one Toyota Rav4 jeep with registration number ETN 676AA (coloured white); master keys used to unlock vehicles forcefully six fake car documents; investigations are ongoing to recover more stolen vehicles.
“On 24/10/2024, at about 23:50 hrs, a man (name withheld) reported via a distress call that he was attacked by three armed men wearing black masks while driving his black Toyota Camry car. The armed men fired sporadically, dragged him out of the vehicle, and drove off. Operatives of the Command traced the suspects to Aba, Abia State, and arrested five individuals: Clement Ime Okon; Thomas Effiong; Joseph Okon Edem; Saviour Agbor and Matthew Elijah Stephen
“The stolen car was recovered at a car stand where it was being negotiated for sale. Further investigation led to the recovery of three locally made pistols and charms. The suspects will have their day in court,” the police commissioner read.
Eribo, however, expressed gratitude to the media community in Akwa Ibom for its unwavering partnership and commitment to disseminating accurate and timely information, which have been instrumental in fostering a safer and more informed society.
He said the synergy between the press and the Police Command has not only ensured that the achievements are adequately reported but has also served as a critical link in building public confidence and trust and called for continued collaboration from members of the public.
