Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a university graduate for allegedly running an illegal arms fabrication facility in Uyo.
The suspect, identified as Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from University of Uyo, was arrested on Sunday night during a police raid targeting criminal hideouts and illegal arms production centres across the state.
Police authorities said the operation was carried out around 9:00 p.m. on March 15, 2026, after officers received intelligence reports about suspicious activities at a building located on Idem Street, off Itu Road in Uyo.
According to the police, the building was initially suspected to be used for producing snacks laced with illegal drugs. However, further investigation revealed that the facility was also used for manufacturing and modifying firearms.
The spokesperson of the command, Timfon John, confirmed the arrest in a statement released in Uyo on Monday.
She explained that the police operation was based on credible intelligence about illegal activities taking place at the location.
“On March 15, 2026, at about 2100 hours, operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal facility located at Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo,” the statement said.
“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.”
However, when officers entered the premises, they discovered that the facility had a more serious criminal operation.
Police said the building was being used as a secret workshop where firearms and ammunition were being produced and modified.
According to investigators, the suspect allegedly used different tools and machines inside the building to fabricate weapons and modify existing firearms.
Police authorities said Marsodi reportedly confessed during interrogation that he was involved in producing chin-chin snacks mixed with substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
He also admitted to carrying out illegal firearms work, including cutting long guns into shorter weapons that could easily be hidden and carried.
Such weapons, security experts say, are often preferred by criminals because they are easier to conceal during robberies or other attacks.
During the raid, police recovered several items believed to be used for producing and modifying firearms.
Among the items recovered were eight refilled cartridges, six expended cartridges and a bag containing gunpowder.
Other materials recovered from the facility include refilling pellets, a pack of striking pins and a rifle butt.
Police also found several machines used for metal work and weapon fabrication. These include filing machines, cutting machines and drilling equipment.
Investigators also recovered filing stones, cutting stones, assorted saws and two machetes from the premises.
In addition to the weapons-related materials, officers also found substances suspected to be Indian hemp as well as packets of chin-chin believed to be mixed with the drug.
Two pairs of black military-style boots, belts and a jacket were also recovered during the operation.
Police authorities said the items are currently being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, said the arrest shows the command’s determination to fight crime and protect residents.
He said the police would continue intelligence-based operations across the state to identify and dismantle criminal networks.
According to him, illegal arms production and drug distribution remain serious threats to public safety.
The police commissioner also warned individuals involved in criminal activities to stop or face arrest and prosecution.
Security agencies across Nigeria have raised concerns in recent years about the growing problem of illegal arms in the country.
In some cases, criminal groups set up small secret workshops where firearms are repaired, modified or produced.
These operations often go unnoticed for long periods, especially when they are hidden inside residential buildings or workshops.
In response to the growing security challenges, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies have increased raids on suspected criminal hideouts across the country.
These operations often rely on intelligence gathered from community members and security informants.
Residents are frequently encouraged to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
In recent years, authorities have also intensified efforts to curb the circulation of illegal drugs, which are often linked to other criminal activities.
Drug abuse has been identified as a factor that contributes to violence, youth crime and organised criminal networks.
The discovery of narcotic-laced snacks in the Uyo facility has raised further concern among security officials.
Food items mixed with drugs are sometimes distributed to unsuspecting buyers or used within criminal circles.
Police authorities say investigations are continuing to identify other individuals who may be connected to the operation.
According to the command, the suspect mentioned the names of other possible members of the network during interrogation.
Security operatives are now working to locate and arrest those individuals.
Meanwhile, residents in parts of Uyo have expressed shock over the discovery of the illegal facility.
Some community members said they were surprised that such activities could take place in a residential area.
They also called on security agencies to maintain regular patrols and intelligence operations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The police have assured the public that efforts to tackle illegal arms production and other criminal activities will continue.
Authorities say the arrest of the suspect is part of a wider campaign to make communities safer and prevent criminals from operating freely.
As investigations continue, police say more arrests may follow if other suspects linked to the operation are identified.
For now, the suspect remains in police custody and is expected to face prosecution once the investigation is completed.
