The Enugu State Police Command has dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication and maintenance workshop operating in Udi Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which took place in Amofia-Agu Affa community, led to the recovery of a cache of weapons and equipment, including a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two English-made double-barrel guns, eight single-barrel guns, two live and eight expended cartridges, three generator sets, various firearms repair tools, and other exhibits.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Enugu, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, described the discovery as a major step forward in the Command’s ongoing efforts to curb crime, particularly the illegal proliferation of firearms.
“On June 30, at about 4 p.m., operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad, acting on credible intelligence, raided and dismantled the workshop located in Amofia-Agu Affa community in Udi LGA,” Ndukwe stated.
He explained that the breakthrough followed the arrest and confession of one Ekene Okafor, 32, a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, who had earlier been apprehended for conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.
“The suspect led operatives to the workshop, where his locally made cut-to-size gun was being serviced by the workshop’s owner, who fled upon sighting the operatives,” he said, adding, “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing owner of the workshop.”
Ndukwe also disclosed that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, had commended the operatives for the success of the operation and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid the state of illegal firearms and related crimes.
“The command wants members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding and to continue providing credible information to the police,” he added.
