University Graduate Arrested in Uyo for Alleged Arms Fabrication and Drug-Laced Snacks Production

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a University of Uyo graduate for allegedly running an illegal arms fabrication workshop and producing narcotic-laced snacks in the state capital.

The arrest followed a raid on a suspected criminal facility on Idem Street, off Itu Road, Uyo, at around 9:00 pm on March 15, 2026.

DSP Timfon John, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, stated that the operation was part of “Operation Zero Black Spots,” a police initiative aimed at dismantling criminal hideouts, illegal arms manufacturing centers, and drug distribution networks across Akwa Ibom State.

Police said the operation was prompted by intelligence reports that chin-chin snacks laced with cannabis were being produced and distributed from the location. During the raid, officers discovered that the facility was also being used to fabricate and modify firearms.

Two suspects were arrested: Marsodi John and Koabasi Marsodi, also known as “Five.” Both are natives of Uya Oron in Oron Local Government Area. Police identified Koabasi Marsodi, a graduate of Animal Science from the University of Uyo, as the principal suspect allegedly running the operation.

According to the police, Koabasi Marsodi confessed during preliminary questioning that he had been producing cannabis-laced chin-chin and illegally fabricating and modifying firearms, including cutting long guns into shorter, concealable weapons.

Items recovered from the facility included eight refilled cartridges, six expended cartridges, gunpowder, refilling pellets, striking pins, a rifle butt, filing, cutting and drilling machines, assorted saws and filing stones, two machetes, substances suspected to be cannabis, packets of chin-chin believed to contain the drug, a laptop, and two pairs of black military boots with belts and a jacket. Three live turtles, reportedly intended for ritual purposes, were also found.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue to identify other members of the alleged criminal network.

Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling illegal arms and drug operations across the state.