The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 15 suspected cultists during a targeted raid on suspected criminal hideouts in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo, saying the operation followed intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb cult-related activities in the area.
Among those arrested were Ndifreke Paul, also known as “Black Satan”, from Onna Local Government Area, and Etim Oboho from Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area, alongside 13 other suspects.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were members of the Vikings and Iceland confraternities.
The police said further investigations were ongoing to establish their individual affiliations, determine their level of involvement in cult-related activities and identify other persons connected to the suspected criminal networks.
The command added that some suspects escaped into nearby creeks during the operation, noting that efforts had been intensified to apprehend them and recover additional exhibits.
Items recovered during the raid included wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice”.
The police also recovered two outboard engines suspected to have been stolen, a motorcycle with registration number KTS 346 WZ, cult-related berets, items bearing Vikings inscriptions, bottles containing substances suspected to be charms and five mobile phones.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across the state.
It warned individuals and groups involved in criminal activities to desist, adding that it would continue to use intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute suspected offenders.
The police also urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide credible and timely information to support security operations.
The command advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through appropriate police channels.