Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, identified as Koabasi Marsodi, for allegedly operating an illegal arms fabrication facility in Uyo. Marsodi was arrested on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m. during a raid targeting criminal hideouts, illegal arms production centres and drug networks across the state. According to the statement, operatives raided the suspected criminal hideout located at Idem Street, off Itu Road, in Uyo, following credible intelligence reports. According to the statement, Marsodi reportedly 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. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to identify, dismantle and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution and other criminal activities threatening public safety.

Source: Punch March 16, 2026 14:38 UTC