A’Ibom Police net 10 suspected cultists, recover pistol

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations, recovering a locally made pistol, machete, charms, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, cult insignia and other exhibits linked to alleged criminal activities.

The arrests, carried out in Esit Eket Local Government Area and another location following intelligence and a distress call from members of the public, form part of the command’s intensified crackdown on cultism, violent crime and criminal networks across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the operations reflected the command’s sustained deployment of intelligence-driven policing to disrupt criminal activities before they escalate into wider threats to public safety.

In the first operation, conducted at about 3 pm on August 4, 2026, police operatives moved into Akpatong Village, Esit Eket LGA, following credible intelligence linked to an ongoing investigation into cult-related activities.

Five suspected members of a criminal gang who were already 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 Akpatong Village.

A search of the suspects and their immediate surroundings yielded a locally made pistol, charms, a machete, a Point-of-Sale machine, suspected cannabis sativa seeds and ₦400,000 in cash.

The police said the exhibits had been secured as part of the ongoing investigation, with detectives working to establish their links to other criminal cases.

In a separate operation on July 31, police responded to a distress call from a member of the public reporting the presence of suspected cultists at a guest house, where members of the group were allegedly firing shots into the air and causing panic in the area.

The responding patrol team came under no reported attack, but the suspects fled in different directions when they sighted the police.

Five suspects were, however, arrested. They were identified as Destiny Moses, 20; Boniface Clement, 23; Raphael Offiong, 27; Victor Obot, 27; and Sunday Victor, 23.

Police said the operation also led to the recovery of a red Mercedes-Benz C300 saloon car with visible bullet damage, which was abandoned at the scene.

Other exhibits recovered included a jack knife wrapped with a red ribbon, two face caps bearing the insignia of proscribed cult groups and three empty bottles of alcoholic beverages allegedly used during the gathering.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the arrested suspects were members of the proscribed Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as the De Norsemen Klan.

John said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the group who escaped during the operation and recover further exhibits that could assist the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Baba Mohammed Azare, commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage and prompt response in both operations.

Azare warned that the command would continue to pursue cult groups and other criminal networks across the state, stressing that criminal elements would not be allowed to establish footholds or undermine public safety.

He also commended residents who provided timely and credible information, enabling the police to respond to the reported activities.

The command urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, gatherings and other activities that could threaten peace and security.