A swift and intelligence-driven operation by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has dealt a heavy blow to suspected cult activities in Abak Local Government Area, with 25 individuals arrested and weapons recovered in a late-night raid.
The operation, carried out on May 3, 2026, at about 9:19 p.m., saw operatives of the Emergency Response Squad storm a notorious hideout at Oku Abak Village, where suspected members of a secret cult group were reportedly gathering.
Acting on credible intelligence and in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, to intensify the crackdown on criminal networks, the team swooped on the location, catching the suspects off guard.
Those arrested include Ubong Victor, Gabriel Utitofon, Liberty Sunday, Onyekachi Celestine, Sifon Ekong, Aniekeme Friday, Emmanuel Sunday, Emmanuel Johnson, Usiene Michael, Michael Effiong, Mbetobong Johnson, Christian Daniel, Baribor Zorka, Solomon John, Moses Eno, alongside ten female suspects: Ella Sunday, Esther Samuel, Gift Okon, Esther Effiong, Delight Eze, Agatha Godwin, Faith Simon, Favour Naru, Precious Effiong, and Hope Edet.
A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and a red beret believed to be linked to cult affiliation. Police also impounded three motorcycles and a minibus suspected to have been used in criminal operations.
Sources within the Command described the raid as part of a broader strategy to dismantle cult networks and restore peace across troubled communities in the state.
All suspects are currently in police custody and are said to be cooperating with ongoing investigations, while efforts have been intensified to track down other fleeing members of the group.
Reaffirming the Command’s resolve, the Commissioner of Police warned that Akwa Ibom would remain hostile terrain for criminal elements, stressing that anyone involved in unlawful activities would face the full weight of the law.
The Police also called on residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information to aid security agencies in their fight against crime.
The latest breakthrough underscores the Command’s sustained offensive against cultism and signals a tightening net around criminal syndicates operating in the state.
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