Tuesday, March, 17 2026 - The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a University of Uyo graduate, Koabasi Marsodi, who operates an illegal arms fabrication facility.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, who
disclosed this in a statement on Monday, March 16, 2026 said operatives raided
the suspected criminal facility based on credible intelligence reports that
illicit chin-chin snacks laced with Indian hemp were being produced and
distributed from the location.
According to the PPRO, further investigations revealed that
the facility was not only used for the production of narcotic-laced food items
but also functioned as a clandestine arms and ammunition fabrication
workshop.
"The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded
another significant operational breakthrough in its ongoing Operation Zero
Black Spots, a strategic initiative aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts,
illegal arms production centres, and drug networks across the State,” the
statement read.
"On 15th March 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 operation was carried out by Operatives of the
command 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 functioned as a clandestine arms and
ammunition fabrication workshop.
"During a thorough search of the premises, the
following exhibits were recovered: Eight (8) refilled cartridges, Six (6) empty
expended cartridges, One (1) bag of gunpowder, Refilling pellets, 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, 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
"During the operation, two suspects were arrested,
namely: Marsodi John (M) and Koabasi Marsodi (M) A.K.A FIVE
"Both suspects are indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local
Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
"Preliminary investigation revealed that the principal
suspect, Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of
Uyo, allegedly operates the illegal facility.
"He 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.
"The suspects are currently in Police custody, while
discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal
network mentioned during interrogation.
"The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command,
CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reaffirmed 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.
"The Commissioner further warned that any individual or
group involved in criminal enterprises within the State should immediately
desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, as the Command will
continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across all identified
black spots.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting
the Police with timely and credible information, assuring that all information
received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
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