Akwa Ibom Police Bust Militant Syndicate and Raid Illegal Gun Manufacturing Facility: Key Details and Implications

In a major boost to public safety, Akwa Ibom police operations have led to the successful bust of a militant syndicate and the raid of an illegal gun manufacturing facility. These actions highlight proactive policing in high-risk areas like the Niger Delta region. This article provides a detailed, pedagogical breakdown to help readers understand the events, their significance, and broader lessons on crime prevention.

Introduction

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has achieved significant breakthroughs in combating organized crime. On November 4, 2025, Commissioner of Police (CP) Baba Mohammed Azare briefed the media in Uyo about two key operations: the interception of a militant syndicate linked to sea piracy and kidnapping, and the dismantling of an unlawful gun production site. These Akwa Ibom police busts demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven strategies, patrols, and partnerships with marine units and community stakeholders.

Understanding such operations is crucial for residents in coastal states like Akwa Ibom, where militancy and illegal arms proliferation pose ongoing threats. This report draws directly from official statements, offering verifiable facts to educate on police tactics and public safety measures.

Analysis

To fully grasp the impact of these Akwa Ibom police operations, let’s analyze the context and execution step by step.

The Militant Syndicate Operation

On November 3, 2025, at approximately 11:45 AM, police operatives, in collaboration with Marine Hunters, arrested Samuel Geofrey, a 27-year-old from Atakpere Community in Ekeremo Local Government Area (LGA) of Bayelsa State. Geofrey, operating in the creeks of Mbo LGA, confessed to active involvement in sea piracy and kidnapping. His rifle was reportedly held by Kingdom Bane, the Village Head of Ine Eyoabasi Fishing Village.

Upon raiding the village, Bane fled, but a search of his residence yielded stolen goods from sea travelers, including speed boats, power heads, tool boxes, propellers, engine covers, a deep freezer, turbines, toilet seats, sinks, a sewing machine, and various boat parts. This recovery underscores how militant groups exploit remote creeks for illicit activities.

The Illegal Gun Manufacturing Facility Raid

Earlier, on October 24, 2025, acting on intelligence, police raided a gun-making facility in Ekiti Itam Village, Itu LGA. Arrested were Aniekan Aniedi (39) and Ubong Udofia (35). Seized items included three locally fabricated weapons, steel pipes, iron rods, copper wire, gun butts, a welding machine, electrical screwdriver, and filing machine.

These operations reveal interconnected criminal networks supplying arms to robbers and cultists, emphasizing the need for sustained intelligence gathering in Akwa Ibom.

Summary

In summary, Akwa Ibom police busted a militant syndicate in Mbo LGA creeks and raided an illegal gun manufacturing facility in Itu LGA. Key arrests include Samuel Geofrey, Aniekan Aniedi, and Ubong Udofia, with extensive recoveries of weapons, stolen marine equipment, and manufacturing tools. CP Azare credited proactive intelligence, patrols, and collaborations. Investigations continue to apprehend fugitives and dismantle networks.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For residents of Akwa Ibom and similar regions, engaging with police operations can enhance community safety. Here’s pedagogical guidance based on these events:

Report Suspicious Activities

If you spot unusual boat movements in creeks or welding noises in remote villages, contact the Akwa Ibom State Police Command hotline immediately. Anonymous tips via official channels have proven vital, as seen in the intelligence-led gun factory raid.

Enhance Personal Security

Sea travelers should use convoy systems, install GPS trackers on boats, and avoid nighttime voyages in piracy hotspots like Mbo LGA. Fishermen can form community watch groups aligned with Marine Hunters.

Community Collaboration

Partner with local leaders (excluding fugitives like Kingdom Bane) to monitor villages. Schools and markets can host police awareness sessions on recognizing illegal arms fabrication signs, such as stockpiled metal pipes or grinding noises.

Points of Caution

These busts highlight dangers inherent in militant syndicates and illegal gun manufacturing:

Risks of Sea Piracy and Militancy

Militants like Geofrey target vessels for theft and kidnapping, endangering lives and economies. Stolen items like turbines and freezers fuel black markets, perpetuating cycles of crime in fishing communities.

Dangers of Proliferation of Locally Made Guns

Facilities producing “crude” weapons from pipes and rods arm cultists and robbers, escalating urban violence in Uyo and Itu. Exposure to such sites risks accidents from faulty welding or explosives.

Residents should avoid confrontation; instead, alert authorities to prevent escalation.

Comparison

Comparing the two Akwa Ibom police operations reveals tactical synergies:

Militant Bust vs. Gun Factory Raid

The militant operation was creek-based, collaborative with Marine Hunters, yielding high-volume stolen goods but one primary arrest. The gun raid was intelligence-exclusive, urban-rural (Itu LGA), focused on production tools for two arrests. Both underscore rapid response: creek raid post-confession, factory preemptive.

Volume-wise, marine recoveries (over 20 items) outnumber gun tools (10+), but the latter directly curbs arms flow. Both from October-November 2025, they align with CP Azare’s patrol emphasis, contrasting hit-and-run piracy with fixed-site manufacturing.

Link to Other Command Achievements

These join arrests for cultism, theft, and stolen property, showing a holistic approach versus isolated incidents.

Legal Implications

These incidents invoke strict Nigerian laws, applicable and verifiable under the Criminal Code Act and Firearms Act:

Firearms and Militancy Offenses

Illegal gun manufacturing violates Section 26 of the Firearms Act (Cap F28 LFN 2004), punishable by 14 years imprisonment. Possession without license (as with Geofrey’s rifle) carries similar penalties. Sea piracy under the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences Act 2019 mandates life imprisonment for armed attacks.

Kidnapping and Theft

Geofrey’s confessed kidnapping falls under Section 364 of the Criminal Code, life term possible. Stolen property handling breaches Section 427, up to 3 years jail.

Ongoing probes target networks, ensuring accomplices like Bane face justice. Suspects remain in custody, per due process.

Conclusion

The Akwa Ibom police bust of the militant syndicate and raid on the illegal gun manufacturing facility marks a pivotal win against Niger Delta insecurity. Led by CP Baba Mohammed Azare, these operations—from Mbo creeks to Itu village—recovered critical evidence and disrupted threats. By fostering intelligence and partnerships, such efforts build safer communities.

Residents must stay vigilant, applying practical advice to sustain momentum. These verifiable successes affirm policing’s role in curbing militancy, arms proliferation, and related crimes, paving the way for economic stability in Akwa Ibom.

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