Cross River State security outfit, Operation Akpakwu uncovers illegal gun factory

Operation Akpakwu, a security outfit set up by the Cross River State Government, has uncovered an arms manufacturing factory on the outskirts of Calabar.

The arms factory was discovered at Uyanga, Akamkpa local government area of the state, about 58.5KM away from Calabar, the state capital.

Pistols and other locally-made guns, known as ‘Akwa made’ were found at the factory.

Investigations revealed that most of the locally made guns in the southern Senatorial District are produced in the factory.

It was further gathered that the man who produces the weapons is from Akwa Ibom state but lives in Uyanga. 

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Irene Ugbo, who confirmed the report, said that arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.

In another news, the Cross River Government has demolished a building belonging to a suspected kidnapper and a brothel allegedly housing underaged girls for prostitution.

The buildings located in Calabar were demolished by the state security outfit, Operation Akpakwu on Friday, January 29.

Briefing newsmen after the demolition exercise, the State Security Adviser to Governor Ben Ayade (Southern Senatorial District), Henry Okokon, said that the state government placed a premium on the security of lives and property, hence, the need to fight all forms of criminality.

“This is part of the activities of Operation Akpakwu, a special force set up by Governor Ayade to fight crime, especially kidnapping. This demolition is ongoing. The governor has warned that anyone involved in any form of criminality, or any landlord harbouring any criminal should desist from it,” he said.

“The bungalow that was demolished belonged to an individual who has been caught in the act of kidnapping, while the brothel was demolished for housing underage persons for prostitution and other illegal activities. This is a warning signal to everybody. Whosoever is involved in the crime of any form should desist from it,’’ Okokon said.

He said that the security outfit got a court order to demolish the buildings in line with the state Homeland Security law.

Okokon urged residents in the state to go about their lawful businesses, giving the assurance that the state government would do its best to protect them against criminals.