Police arrest 10 suspected cultists in Cross River, recover firearms

Police in Nigeria's Cross River State have arrested 10 suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity. The arrests occurred in Abini community, Biase Local Government Area, following a petition from residents concerned about cult activities. The operation, conducted by the Violent Crime Response Unit, also led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, a battle axe, and a dagger.

The Cross River State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the incident. He stated that the operation was a result of "sustained operational follow-up, tactical intelligence and detailed surveillance." The police began gathering intelligence after receiving a petition on July 29, 2026, from the Abini community to the Commissioner of Police regarding suspected cult activities.

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The Cross River State Police Command has arrested ten (10) suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity and recovered a locally made pistol and other exhibits following sustained operational follow-up, tactical intelligence and detailed surveillance by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2.

During the early morning raid on August 22, 2026, the arrested suspects, aged 18 to 27, were apprehended. They allegedly admitted to belonging to the Axe Men Confraternity during preliminary questioning. The recovered items also included a beret with a secret cult logo, a pair of police camouflage trousers, and a mobile cardigan.

State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, praised the operatives for their professionalism and effective use of intelligence. He highlighted the operation as an example of the command's D-C-I-I-D-D-T policing strategy, emphasizing Intelligence-Led Policing and Community Policing. Ordue urged residents to continue providing information, stressing the importance of community partnership in crime prevention.

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I commend the VCRU operatives for their professionalism and effective deployment of intelligence. This operation underscores the practical application of the Command’s D-C-I-I-D-D-T policing strategy, particularly Intelligence-Led Policing and Community Policing, in identifying and disrupting criminal activities before they escalate into threats to public safety.