Police uncover and shut down illegal gun factory in Enugu

The Enugu State Police Command has dismantled an illegal firearms fabrication and repair workshop in Udi Local Government Area, marking a major breakthrough in efforts to curb gun-related crimes in the state.

The operation, carried out by the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad on June 30, followed credible intelligence and the arrest of 32-year-old Ekene Okafor, a suspected member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. Okafor, already in custody for conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms, confessed to having his weapon serviced at the workshop.

Acting on his lead, officers stormed the facility in Amofia-Agu Affa community, where the owner of the workshop fled upon sighting the operatives. A cache of firearms and equipment was recovered, including a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun, two English-made double-barrel guns, eight single-barrel guns, cartridges (two live and eight expended), three generator sets, and various gunsmith tools.

Police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe, who announced the operation on Tuesday, said efforts are underway to arrest the fleeing workshop operator.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, praised the operatives for the success and reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to stamp out illegal arms manufacturing and other related crimes. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information with law enforcement.