The Enugu State Police Command has dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication and maintenance workshop in the Amofia-Agu Affa community of Udi Local Government Area, recovering a cache of weapons and equipment.
Police Spokesman SP Daniel Ndukwe disclosed in a Tuesday statement that the operation was conducted by the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad on June 30 at about 4 p.m., following credible intelligence.
“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.
The breakthrough came after the arrest of 32-year-old Ekene Okafor, a confessed member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, who was apprehended for conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful firearms possession.
“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,” the police spokesman added.
Recovered items include: 1 locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun; 2 English-made double-barrel guns; 8 single-barrel guns; 2 live and 8 expended cartridges; 3 generator sets; Various firearms repair tools.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, praised the operatives for the successful operation and reiterated the command’s dedication to combating illegal arms proliferation.
“The commissioner also reassured residents of the command’s commitment to combating illegal firearms proliferation and related crimes,” Ndukwe said.
Police authorities have launched a manhunt for the fleeing workshop owner while urging public cooperation.
“The command wants members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding and to continue providing credible information to the police,” Ndukwe concluded.
