….Mercedes-Benz riddled with bullet damage abandoned as suspected Vikings members flee police raid
By Abdullahi Inuwa
The battle against cultism in Akwa Ibom State has intensified, with the state police command announcing the arrest of 10 suspected cultists and the recovery of a locally made pistol, charms, machete, suspected Cannabis sativa seeds, cult regalia and ₦400,000 cash in two separate operations.
The latest police offensive, carried out through intelligence-led raids and rapid responses to distress calls, has further rattled suspected criminal networks operating in parts of the state.
The operations were conducted in Esit Eket Local Government Area and another undisclosed location following information received from members of the public.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, said the command remained determined to dismantle cult groups and other criminal networks threatening peace and security in Akwa Ibom.
In one of the major operations, police operatives moved into Akpatong Village, Esit Eket LGA, at about 3:00 p.m. on August 4, following credible intelligence concerning suspected cult-related activities.
Five men reportedly on the police watchlist were arrested during the operation.
They were identified as Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaniyene Ekpo and Aniekan Samuel, all residents of the community.
A search of the suspects and their surroundings reportedly uncovered a locally made pistol, charms, machete, POS machine, suspected Cannabis sativa seeds and ₦400,000.
Police authorities said the exhibits had been taken into custody as investigations continued into their alleged connection with criminal activities and other ongoing cases.
The second operation unfolded after a vigilant resident placed a distress call to the police on July 31, 2026, reporting the presence of suspected cultists at a guest house.
The group was allegedly shooting sporadically into the air, triggering panic in the surrounding community.
Police operatives immediately raced to the location.
On sighting the approaching patrol team, the suspected cultists reportedly abandoned the scene and fled in different directions.
Despite the escape attempt, police arrested five suspects — Destiny Moses, 20; Boniface Clement, 23; Raphael Offiong, 27; Victor Obot, 27; and Sunday Victor, 23.
A red Mercedes-Benz C300 saloon car, bearing visible bullet damage, was also abandoned at the scene.
Other items recovered included a jack knife wrapped with a red ribbon, two face caps bearing insignia associated with proscribed cult groups and three empty alcoholic beverage bottles.
Preliminary police investigation indicates that the arrested suspects are allegedly members of the proscribed Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as De Norsemen Klan.
The Akwa Ibom Police Command said its operatives had intensified efforts to track down other suspected members who escaped during the operation.
The Command also said investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the group’s activities and identify possible links to other criminal incidents.
CP Azare commended the officers involved in the operations for their courage, professionalism and prompt response.
He warned that the police would continue to take decisive action against cultism, armed violence and other criminal activities capable of threatening public peace.
The Commissioner equally praised residents for providing timely intelligence, stressing that community cooperation remains a critical weapon in the fight against crime.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
The Command assured residents that it would sustain intelligence-led operations across the state until criminal elements are effectively dismantled and peace and security are firmly protected.
About The Author
