Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested two suspected arms suppliers and recovered a locally made revolver pistol during an operation targeting illegal arms proliferation in the state.
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Timfon John, the suspects — Udeme Udo, 52, and Nkereuwem Udo, 40 — were arrested on May 8, 2026, at about 4:25 p.m. in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area following credible intelligence.
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspects were part of a criminal network allegedly supplying arms and ammunition to criminals operating within Ikot Ekpene and surrounding areas.
Police said officers recovered one locally manufactured revolver pistol during a search conducted on the suspects.
The command described the arrest as another operational success in its ongoing campaign against violent crime and illegal weapons trafficking in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Baba Azare, reaffirmed the command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks and disrupt the supply of illegal firearms fueling violent crimes across Akwa Ibom.
He warned individuals involved in unlawful possession, trafficking and distribution of firearms to desist immediately or face prosecution.
Azare also directed continued intelligence-led operations, raids and surveillance in identified criminal hotspots across the state.