The police in Kogi State have arrested 11 people over suspected cult-related activities and an alleged ATM card-swapping operation, recovering dozens of bank cards and other items during separate security operations.
The state Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, announced the arrests in Lokoja on Wednesday, saying the operations were carried out following intelligence reports and surveillance.
Eight of the suspects were arrested in Itobe, Ofu Local Government Area, over alleged cult involvement, while three others were apprehended in Idah for suspected ATM fraud.
According to the command, the suspected cult members were arrested on October 17 behind Government Secondary School, Itobe, during an operation involving police officers, local auxiliary forces and community leaders.
The operation, which took place at about 5.45 pm, resulted in the arrest of seven adults and a 14-year-old boy.
The suspects were identified as Mutari Ahmed, 26; Mohammed Tairu, 21; Audu Moses Yahaya, 27; Peter Vincent, 28; Progress Aminu, 21; Wisdom Friday, 21; Gabriel Enema, 22; and a minor whose identity was not disclosed.
Police investigations reportedly suggested that the suspects had gathered to choose a leader for a local cult group. The command also alleged that some of them admitted belonging to the Aro-Baga Vikings and Aiye confraternities.
The police said the arrests came amid intelligence reports of possible clashes between rival cult groups in Itobe and Ejule communities, where longstanding disputes and alleged retaliatory attacks had raised security concerns.
The command said it had strengthened security measures to prevent violence, protect residents and commuters, and respond to possible attacks on security personnel and facilities.
The case has been transferred to the Violent Crime Response Unit for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects allegedly connected to the groups.
Police Recover 59 ATM Cards in Fraud Investigation
In a separate operation, three men were arrested in Idah over alleged ATM card-swapping fraud.
The suspects are Philip Akiola, 50; Ojo Thomas, 56; and Abdulrauf Suleiman, 48.
The police said their arrest followed an investigation into a complaint made on May 19, 2026, by a customer who allegedly lost N1.5 million from his bank account after his ATM card was switched.
Officers reportedly recovered 59 ATM cards belonging to different banks and a vehicle allegedly associated with the operation.
According to investigators, the suspects may have been running the scheme for over a year, targeting customers using ATMs.
The alleged method involved one person observing a customer’s PIN while another distracted the victim and exchanged the bank card. The suspects would then allegedly use the card and PIN to access the victim’s account.
The command said the suspects reportedly identified a person known as “Sunday”, who was said to be abroad, as the individual who introduced them to the alleged scheme.
Police added that the operation mainly targeted customers using ATMs at First Bank, Union Bank and United Bank for Africa branches in the area.
The suspects have been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Lokoja for further investigation.
The police urged bank customers to protect their PINs when using ATMs, reject assistance from strangers and confirm that the card they retrieve belongs to them before leaving.
Anyone who suspects that their card has been swapped was advised to contact their bank immediately to block it and report the matter to the police.
The command said investigations into both cases were continuing, adding that the suspects remained presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
