Police arrest 10 suspected cultists, recover gun, cannabis seeds

Police in Akwa Ibom State have apprehended 10 individuals suspected of cultism in separate operations, seizing weapons and illicit substances. The arrests highlight the persistent challenge of cult-related activities in the region.

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Police said a search during the operation led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, charms, a machete, a Point-of-Sale machine, suspected cannabis sativa seeds and N400,000.

In Esit Eket Local Government Area, five suspects were arrested on August 4 following intelligence gathering on cult activities. Police identified them as Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaniyene Ekpo, and Aniekan Samuel. During the operation, authorities recovered a locally made pistol, a machete, charms, a Point-of-Sale machine, suspected cannabis seeds, and N400,000.

Another group of five suspects was arrested on July 31 after police responded to a distress call about a suspected cult gathering at a guest house. The suspects, aged 20 to 27, allegedly fired guns into the air, causing panic. Recovered items included a damaged Mercedes-Benz, a jack knife, two face caps with insignia of a proscribed cult group, and alcoholic beverages. Preliminary investigations suggest these individuals are members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

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She said the group allegedly shot sporadically into the air, causing panic in the area.

These recent arrests follow a series of similar operations in Akwa Ibom. In July, three suspected Vikings Confraternity members were arrested, with substances believed to be methamphetamine and cannabis found. Previous months also saw arrests related to armed robbery and cultism, with police recovering firearms and charms. One suspect in May reportedly confessed to membership in the Ku Klux Klan Confraternity.

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Police said the suspects admitted membership of the group, while one was allegedly forcibly initiated during a ceremony at the location.