Police Nab 10 Suspected Cultists, Recover Arms In Akwa Ibom

Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, have raided some black spots, arresting no fewer than 10 suspected cultists during initiation rituals.

This is in the ongoing crackdown on criminal syndicates, specialising in kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this to Journalists at the Command’s headquarters, in Uyo, the state capital, explained that the suspects were seized during raid of a location at Esit Eket local government area where five gang members were rounded up.

She added that following credible intelligence volunteered by some concerned neighbours to a hotel where the suspects had cramped for the initiation rituals, another five armed hoodlums were apprehended after the apprehensive residents were scared by sporadic gunshots.

“In one of the operations, on 4th August, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., following credible intelligence and in furtherance of an ongoing investigation into cult-related activities, operatives of the Command swiftly mobilized to Akpautong village, Esit Eket LGA ,where five suspected members of a criminal gang who had been on the Command’s watchlist were apprehended,” she stated.

The Command’s Spokesperson listed the suspects to include; Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaniyene Ekpo, and Aniekan Samuel, all males and residents of Akpautong village, Esit Eket in LGA.

According to DSP John, a locally made pistol, dangerous weapons, charms, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, cult regalia and other incriminating exhibits were recovered.

“A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, charms, one machete, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, and the sum of ₦400,000., all reasonably suspected to be connected with criminal activities.

“The exhibits have been taken into police custody, while investigations continue to determine their relevance to other ongoing cases,” she said.

In a related development, operatives of the command, acting on a distress call from a vigilant member of the public on 31st July, 2026, DSP recalled, “responded promptly to reports that a group of suspected cultists had unlawfully assembled at a guest house where they were allegedly shooting sporadically into the air and causing panic within the community.”

She explained that on sighting the approaching Police patrol team, the hoodlums fled in different directions, but was able to arrest five of the suspects identified as Destiny Moses (20), Boniface Clement (23), Raphael Offiong (27), Victor Obot (27), and Sunday Victor (23).

Incriminating items recovered at the scene, she said included one abandoned red Mercedes-Benz C300 saloon car bearing visible bullet damage, one jack – knife wrapped with a red ribbon, two face caps bearing the insignia of proscribed cult groups, and three empty bottles of alcoholic beverages believed to have been used during the unlawful gathering.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of the proscribed Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as De Norsemen Klan. Efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional incriminating exhibits,” she stressed.

The Commissioner of Police (CP) Baba Azare, has commended the courage, professionalism and swift response of the operatives involved in both operations, reiterating the Command’s determination towards “dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that cultism, armed violence, and other threats to public peace have no foothold anywhere within Akwa Ibom state.”

“The command also expresses its appreciation to members of the public whose timely and credible information continue to support police operations. Residents are encouraged to remain security conscious, promptly report suspicious activities, and continue partnering with the Police in the collective effort to maintain peace, law, and order across the State,” the CP added.