The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has smashed a major criminal syndicate, arresting a graduate of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) for allegedly operating an illegal arms fabrication workshop and producing narcotic-laced snacks in the heart of the state capital, Uyo.
The arrest was the culmination of a raid on a suspected criminal facility located on Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo, which took place around 9 p.m. on March 15, 2026.
The operation, conducted under the police’s new crime-fighting initiative, ‘Operation Zero Black Spots’, was aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts and drug distribution networks across the state.
In a statement released on Monday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, revealed that the initial intelligence suggested the location was a production centre for chin-chin snacks allegedly laced with cannabis.
However, upon storming the facility, operatives made a far more sinister discovery.
“The operation was triggered by intelligence reports that illicit chin-chin snacks allegedly laced with cannabis were being produced and distributed from that location,” DSP John stated.
“However, during the raid, officers reportedly discovered that the facility was also functioning as a clandestine workshop for the fabrication and modification of firearms.”
Two suspects were apprehended at the scene, namely, Marsodi John and Koabasi Marsodi, also known as “Five.” Both are indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area.
Police identified Koabasi Marsodi as the principal suspect, describing him in shocking detail as a graduate of animal science from the University of Uyo who allegedly ran the multi-faceted illegal operation.
According to the police, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation that he was involved in producing narcotic-laced snacks and illegally fabricating and modifying firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter weapons designed for concealment.
A cache of incriminating items was recovered from the premises.
These included eight refilled cartridges, six expended cartridges, a bag of gunpowder, refilling pellets, and striking pins.
Also found were a rifle butt and several tools allegedly used for weapon fabrication, such as filing, cutting, and drilling machines.
Other items recovered were assorted saws, filing stones, two machetes, substances suspected to be cannabis, and packets of chin-chin believed to be laced with the drug.
A laptop computer and two pairs of black military boots with belts and a jacket were also seized.
In a bizarre twist, police also reported finding three live turtles at the location, which are suspected to be intended for ritual purposes.
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The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their vigilance and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ridding the state of illegal arms manufacturing and drug distribution.
He warned individuals involved in such criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.
The police have also urged the public to provide timely information that could assist security agencies in tackling crime, assuring that all tips would be treated confidentially.
According to the statement, the suspects are currently in police custody while further investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the alleged criminal network mentioned during interrogation.
