The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a University of Uyo graduate, Koabasi Marsodi, who operates an illegal arms fabrication facility.
The spokesperson of the command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a statement 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.
“The Commissioner further warned that any individual or group involved in criminal enterprises within the State should immediately desist or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, as the Command will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations across all identified black spots.
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information, assuring that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.”
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a soldier declared wanted by the Nigerian Army over his alleged involvement in supplying military uniforms to terrorist groups operating in the North-East.
Security expert, Zagazola Makama, disclosed this in a statement posted on X.
Makama said that the suspect, identified as 23NA/84/1939 Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility, NAOTF, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 pm on July 25, 2026 by troops of 7 Provost Group led by the Acting Commander.
He added that preliminary investigations revealed that before he was declared wanted, the soldier absconded from his unit and travelled to Maiduguri on July 7, 2026, where he allegedly went into hiding.
Investigators further established that the soldier was sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.
The security expert further noted that acting on credible intelligence, troops of the 7 Provost Group placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.
“The suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.
“The arrest as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle insider networks aiding terrorist groups, adding that investigations are continuing to establish the full extent of the suspect’s activities and identify any accomplices,” Makama added.
A 55-year-old businessman, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, who deals in clothing at the popular Balogun market, Lagos Island, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over an attempt to export 3.30 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs going to the United Kingdom.
According to Femi Babafemi, spokesperson of the agency, Onuigbo was arrested on Thursday, 23rd July 2026, following the interception of his cocaine consignment at the export shed of the Lagos airport the previous day, Wednesday 22nd July by NDLEA operatives.
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
Babafemi said in the course of investigation, three cargo agents identified as Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina; Adeleke Abiola Taoheed; and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim, who handled the shipment, were initially arrested, leading to the arrest of Kenneth Okakpu who delivered the consignment to the cargo agents for shipment to the UK.
The NDLEA spokesperson said Okakpu’s arrest provided the lead to identifying Onuigbo as the kingpin behind the syndicate and his eventual arrest while attempting to send another consignment of cocaine to the UK.
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
He mentioned that a 31-year-old entrepreneur, Emmanuella Chukwu-Edo, also involved in illicit drug trafficking, was on Tuesday, 21st July, arrested at her Surulere, Lagos residence by NDLEA operatives following the seizure of her consignment of 2.80kg Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, which arrived from the United States aboard a United Airlines flight on Monday, 20th July.”
NDLEA arrests Lagos businessman, others over N10 billion cocaine trafficking; intercepts consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap
In a related development, NDLEA officials seized a consignment of tramadol buried in containers of black soap heading to the UK. The shipment was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at a courier firm in Lagos on Wednesday, 22nd July.
A man accused of stealing cables was paraded in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Sunday, 26th July, 2026 by a vigilante group at Ompadec, Amarata, while allegedly stealing electrical cables from a home.
According to residents, cable theft has become a recurring problem in the area, leaving them feeling vulnerable.