By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 15 suspected cultists during an intelligence-led raid on suspected criminal hideouts in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno Local Government Area, recovering suspected stolen outboard engines, a motorcycle, illicit drugs and other items.
The operation, carried out at about 5 p.m. on October 20, 2026, targeted suspected cultists’ hideouts and identified black spots as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb cult-related activities in the state.
The police said the operation was conducted by operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, to intensify the fight against cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities.
Among the suspects arrested were Dominic, 35, popularly known as Don Sars, from Esit Eket Local Government Area; Ndifreke Paul, 29, alias Black Satan, from Onna Local Government Area; and Etim Oboho, 46, from Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area.
Twelve other suspects were also arrested during the operation.
According to the police, preliminary interrogation revealed that two of the suspects, identified as Ubong Dominic, alias Don Sars, and Ndifreke Paul, alias Black Satan, allegedly confessed to belonging to the Vikings and Iceland confraternities.
The Command said investigations were ongoing to establish their respective affiliations, determine their alleged involvement in cult-related activities and identify other individuals connected to the suspected criminal networks.
Suspected Stolen Engines, Drugs Recovered
Items recovered during the raid included wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and substances suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as Ice.
The police also recovered two suspected stolen eight-horsepower outboard engines, a motorcycle with registration number KTS 346 WZ, suspected to have been stolen, cult-related berets, items bearing Vikings inscriptions, bottles containing substances suspected to be charms and five mobile phones.
The Command said while 15 suspects were arrested, some other individuals reportedly escaped into the surrounding creeks during the operation.
It added that efforts had been intensified to track down the fleeing suspects and recover other items that might be connected to criminal activities in the area.
Police Warn Criminal Elements
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s determination to rid Akwa Ibom State of cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities.
CP Azare warned individuals and groups involved in criminal activities to desist, stressing that the police would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, targeted raids and other lawful strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute suspected offenders.
He also called on residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in preventing crime and apprehending suspects.
The Command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities through appropriate police channels.
It assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property while sustaining peace and security across Akwa Ibom State.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, LLB, ANIPR, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, on October 21, 2026.
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