The Enugu State Police Command has dismantled a local firearms fabrication workshop in Amofia-Agu Affa, Udi Local Government Area, recovering a cache of illegal weapons, ammunition, and other incriminating materials.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, on July 14, the raid was carried out by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad on June 30 at about 4 p.m., following credible intelligence.

The breakthrough came after the arrest of Ekene Okafor, a 32-year-old alleged member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, who was initially apprehended for conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms. 

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed and led the police to the illegal arms workshop, where his locally-made cut-to-size gun was being serviced.

Upon arrival, police operatives met some resistance from the workshop’s owner who later fled the scene upon being overpowered by them. 

However, a significant haul of firearms and tools was recovered from the site.

Recovered items included: one locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, 2 English-made double-barrel guns, 8 locally made single-barrel guns, 2 live and 8 expended cartridges, 3 generator sets various firearms fabrication and repair tools.

Efforts to arrest the fleeing owner of the illegal facility are on-going, the statement stated.

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, commended the operatives for the successful operation and reiterated the Command’s determination to combat the proliferation of illegal firearms and other violent crimes in the state.

He further urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to support law enforcement by providing credible information that can aid the fight against crime.

The Command reaffirmed its resolve to sustain similar intelligence-driven operations in its on-going effort to ensure the security of lives and property across the state.