Nigerian Police bust mortuary where AK-47 rifles, other weapons are hid

The Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command, has said that its operatives busted an armoury in a private mortuary located in the Ekeya of Okobo Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Waheed Ayilara, who made this known during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpabio, on Monday, said the discovery followed the arrest of a kidnapping syndicate.

According to Ayilara, the syndicate was led by a wanted kidnapper, Ubong Effiong Archibong, also known as “Condiment,” who is allegedly responsible for multiple kidnappings and murders in the state.

The police recovered various firearms and ammunition from the mortuary used as the armory.

The recovered items included two AK-47 rifles, two G3 rifles, one double-barrel rifle, one single-barrel rifle, five magazines, and seven live rounds of ammunition.

In addition to this, Ayilara paraded 23-year-old Daniel Edem Okon. Okon reportedly hired a commercial motorcyclist from Idoro Road to Mbikpon Ikot Edin.

Upon reaching a secluded area, he allegedly killed the rider, buried him in a shallow grave, and stole the motorcycle.

“On July 12, 2024, at about 8:30 pm, operatives on routine patrol apprehended two suspects, Daniel Edem Okon, 23, and Samaila Salisu, 20, on a motorcycle without identification near Timber Market, Uyo.

“Following rigorous interrogation, Okon confessed to the murder, which took place on July 11, 2024.

“The decomposed body of the victim, identified as Saviour Anthony Effiong, 45, was exhumed and taken to a morgue,” Ayilara stated.

Ayilara also presented other suspects involved in various crimes, including kidnapping, rape, trafficking, and vandalism.

He assured that all suspects would be charged in court upon the completion of investigations.

He expressed gratitude to the community, government, and other security agencies for their collaborative efforts in combating crime and urged them to continue their support.

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