The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected cultists in two separate operations, recovering a locally made pistol, machete, charms, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, and cult regalia. The arrests were announced in a statement by the police spokeswoman, Timfon John, a deputy superintendent of police, on Saturday.
First Operation: Five Arrested at Akpautong Village
In the first operation, conducted on 4 August at Akpautong Village, Esit Eket Local Government Area, police acted on credible intelligence and an investigation into cult-related activities. The suspects arrested were identified as Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaniyene Ekpo, and Aniekan Samuel, all residents of the community.
During a search of the suspects and their premises, police recovered a locally made pistol, charms, a machete, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, and N400,000 in cash. The items were seized as evidence, and the suspects are in custody for interrogation.
Second Operation: Five Arrested After Alleged Cult Gathering
In a separate incident, police responded to a distress call about an alleged cult gathering at a guest house on 31 July. Five suspects were arrested: Destiny Moses, 20; Boniface Clement, 23; Raphael Offiong, 27; Victor Obot, 27; and Sunday Victor, 23.
The police said the group allegedly shot sporadically into the air, causing panic in the area. Items recovered from them included a red Mercedes-Benz C300 with visible bullet damage, a jack knife wrapped with a red ribbon, two face caps bearing insignia of a proscribed cult group, and three empty bottles of alcoholic beverages.
Suspects Linked to Supreme Vikings Confraternity
Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects belong to the proscribed Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as De Norsemen Klan. The police have intensified efforts to curb cult-related activities in the state, which have been on the rise.
In July, police arrested three suspected members of the Vikings Confraternity during a raid on an alleged cult hideout off Abak Road, Uyo. During that operation, substances suspected to be methamphetamine and cannabis were recovered. The suspects admitted membership of the group, and one was allegedly forcibly initiated during a ceremony at the location.
Recent Crackdown on Cultism and Armed Robbery
In June, three suspects were detained over alleged armed robbery and cultism. Police recovered locally made pistols, a live cartridge, and a machete during separate operations in Abak and Etinan. Two of the suspects allegedly admitted belonging to a four-member armed robbery gang.
In May, police announced the arrest of two suspected cultists in Ikot Ekpene, recovering a locally made shotgun, two live cartridges, and a suspected protective charm. One suspect allegedly confessed membership of the proscribed Ku Klux Klans Confraternity.
Police Commitment to Public Safety
The police command has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents in Akwa Ibom State. Spokeswoman Timfon John emphasized that the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cult networks and reduce violent crimes. She urged the public to provide credible information to aid police operations.
The suspects will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations. The police also called on parents and guardians to monitor their children and discourage them from joining secret cults, which often lead to violence and criminality.
