By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cultists following coordinated raids on identified criminal hideouts in Uyo and Ibesikpo Local Government Areas, recovering suspected Indian hemp and smoking accessories.
The operation, which took place at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, forms part of the Command’s intensified offensive against cultism, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the state.
The police operatives reportedly stormed identified black spots following intelligence reports linking the locations to the alleged sale and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as activities associated with cultism and other forms of criminality.
Those arrested during the operation were identified as Mbosowo Effiong, Anthony Eden, David Bright, Usen Oko, Ndifreke Friday, Ndifreke Effiong and Ubokobong Esang.
A search conducted at the locations reportedly led to the recovery of several wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, alongside smoking accessories, including Rizzlers.
The Command said the operation was part of its sustained intelligence-driven strategy to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt the circulation and consumption of illicit substances, and prevent criminals from using residential communities as hideouts for unlawful activities.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, Mnipr, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid the state of cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities.
Azare warned that the police would not allow criminal elements to turn residential communities into centres of illicit drug activities, cult-related violence and other threats to public safety.
He urged individuals involved in such activities to desist immediately, warning that the Command would continue to identify, pursue and bring anyone found engaging in criminal activities to justice in accordance with the law.
The police commissioner also called on residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist in preventing crime and maintaining peace across the state.
The Command assured residents that its ongoing operations against criminality would be sustained, stressing its commitment to protecting lives and property throughout Akwa Ibom State.
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