Enugu Police Dismantle Illegal Firearms Workshop in Major Security Breakthrough

Security Forces Recover Arsenal of Weapons in Udi LGA Raid

The Enugu State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against violent crime by dismantling an illegal firearms fabrication and maintenance workshop in Udi Local Government Area. The operation, conducted on June 30, resulted in the seizure of dangerous weapons and equipment that could have been used to perpetrate violent crimes across the region.

Weapons and Equipment Seized

During the carefully executed raid, police operatives recovered:

• One 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

The operation was carried out by the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad acting on credible intelligence, according to police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe, a Superintendent of Police.

How the Workshop Was Discovered

The breakthrough came following the arrest of 32-year-old Ekene Okafor, a confirmed member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. Okafor had been apprehended earlier for conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed and led operatives to the workshop located in Amofia-Agu Affa community where his locally made cut-to-size gun was being serviced,” Ndukwe explained in an official statement.

The owner of the illicit workshop managed to flee upon sighting the approaching police team. “Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing owner of the workshop,” the police spokesperson added.

Police Leadership Commends Operation

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, praised the operatives for their successful operation, describing it as a major achievement in the command’s ongoing efforts to combat crime, particularly the proliferation of illegal firearms.

Giwa reassured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime and illegal arms proliferation in the state. He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies.

Security Challenges in Enugu State

Enugu has faced significant security challenges in recent times, mirroring the broader insecurity issues affecting Nigeria’s South-East region. The discovery of this firearms workshop comes as authorities intensify efforts to curb violent crimes in the area.

In May 2024, gunmen killed one person and abducted 10 others in separate attacks in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area. Earlier in March, assailants attacked a divisional police headquarters in the state, killing Police Constable Emmanuel Akpa.

Public Cooperation Crucial

The police have emphasized the importance of community cooperation in their crime-fighting efforts. “The command wants members of the public to remain vigilant, law-abiding and to continue providing credible information to the police,” Ndukwe stated.

This operation represents a significant step in disrupting the supply chain of illegal weapons that fuel violent crimes in the region. Security analysts suggest that dismantling such workshops could have a measurable impact on reducing armed criminal activities.

The police have called on anyone with information about the whereabouts of the fleeing workshop owner or similar illegal activities to come forward through their emergency contact numbers.

Credit: This report is based on information from the Nigerian News Agency (NAN). For more details, visit the original source.