Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected illegal gun makers and recovered 15 firearms during a raid on suspected weapons production and repair centres in Okobo and Eket Local Government Areas of the state.

A post shared on X by security analyst, Zagazola Makama said the operation was carried out in the early hours of June 2, following intelligence reports aimed at curbing the spread of small and light arms across the state.

Police sources disclosed to Makama that the raid took place at about 3:00 a.m. and was executed by detectives attached to the Command’s Counter Violent Crime and Rescue Unit, VCRU, under the supervision of senior police officers.

According to the sources, the operation targeted suspected illegal firearms fabrication and repair locations in the two local government areas.

“During the operation, officers recovered three English double-barrel guns, two English single-barrel guns, and ten locally fabricated single-barrel guns. Also recovered were two iron barrels, two gas cylinders, and two tool boxes containing equipment allegedly used in the fabrication and repair of firearms, as well as one live cartridge,” Makama said.

The suspects arrested in connection with the exhibits were identified as Effiong Okon Ekpenyong, 39, of Oti Oro Village in Okobo Local Government Area, and Godwin Ebong Nduaesa, 78, of No. 20 St. Gregory Road in Eket Local Government Area.

Police sources said investigation has commenced, while efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected arms manufacturing network.

Police authorities also restated their commitment to tackling unlawful arms production and strengthening internal security in the state.

Report reaching DAILY POST from Ogbomoso in Oyo State indicates that some gunmen have attacked an immigration office in the ancient city. 

DAILY POST gathered that the attack took place on Tuesday night at about 10 pm. 

It was learnt that the officers on duty were dispossessed of their guns. 

A reliable source within Ogbomoso, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the incident to DAILY POST. 

However, efforts made to get a reaction from the Public Relations Officer of the State Police command proved abortive as of the time of filing this report on Wednesday. 

Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected cultists and alleged contract killers believed to be connected to a series of violent crimes in Ajanmgbadi, Ojo and neighbouring communities.

The command disclosed the arrests in a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday.

The suspects were identified as Emmanuel Nwokolo, popularly known as “Oblo,” 35; Ayola Israel, also known as “Essy Pawpaw,” 39; Ebuka Nnamdi, 31; and Chinedu Okafor, 22.

According to the police, the suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation at a hotel in the Ajanmgbadi area of Ojo Local Government Area.

The command said preliminary investigations uncovered evidence linking the suspects to several violent crimes within the area.

Police further revealed that a video allegedly showing the killing of unidentified individuals in Ajanmgbadi and surrounding communities was recovered from the mobile phone of one of the suspects.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Aiye Confraternity and admitted involvement in a series of attacks and killings that had unsettled residents in the affected communities.

The statement added that a subsequent search operation led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, one revolver and 13 live cartridges believed to be connected to their criminal activities.

According to the command, investigations are continuing to determine the full scope of the suspects’ operations, identify other members of the criminal network and apprehend additional accomplices still at large.

The police said the suspects would be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.

Commending the operatives involved in the operation, the Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

He assured Lagosians that efforts would continue to dismantle criminal groups and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.

The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid crime-fighting efforts.