Press Release
A University of Uyo graduate, Koabasi Marsodi, the principal suspect is in the custody of Akwa Ibom State Police Command for operating an illegal arms fabrication facility.
Another suspect is Marsodi John, both are indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, allegedly operates the illegal facility.
He had confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.
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The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, who stated this in a press release on Monday, March 16, 2026, said operatives raided the suspected criminal facility based on credible intelligence reports that illicit chin-chin snacks laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the location.
According to the PPRO, further investigations revealed that the facility was not only used for the production of narcotic-laced food items but also functioned as a clandestine arms and ammunition fabrication workshop.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its ongoing Operation Zero Black Spots, a strategic initiative aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, illegal arms production centres, and drug networks across the State,” the statement read.
“On 15th March 2026 at about 2100 hours, operatives of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal facility located at Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo.
“The operation was carried out by Operatives of the command following intelligence reports that illicit chin-chin snacks laced with Indian hemp were being produced and distributed from the location.
“Upon raiding the premises, Police operatives discovered that the facility was not only being used for the production of narcotic-laced food items but also functioned as a clandestine arms and ammunition fabrication workshop.
“During a thorough search of the premises, the following exhibits were recovered: Eight (8) refilled cartridges, Six (6) empty expended cartridges, One (1) bag of gunpowder, Refilling pellets, A pack of striking pins One rifle butt, Filing, cutting and drilling machines used for weapon fabrication, Filing and cutting stones, Assorted sets of saws, Two machetes, Substance suspected to be Indian hemp, Packets of chin-chin suspected to be laced with Indian hemp, Two pairs of black military boots, belts and jacket, One laptop computer, Three live turtles suspected to be used for charms and Other incriminating items
“During the operation, two suspects were arrested, namely: Marsodi John (M) and Koabasi Marsodi (M) A.K.A FIVE
“Both suspects are indigenes of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the principal suspect, Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, allegedly operates the illegal facility.
“He confessed to producing narcotic-laced chin-chin and engaging in the illegal fabrication and modification of firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.
“The suspects are currently in Police custody, while discreet investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the criminal network mentioned during interrogation.
“The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering resolve to identify, dismantle and prosecute individuals involved in illegal arms fabrication, drug distribution and other criminal activities that threaten public safety.”
