Akwa Ibom Police Disrupt Cult Initiation, Nab Two Suspected Black Axe Members
Intelligence-Led Operation in Uyo
OPERATIVES of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested two suspected cult leaders of the Black Axe Confraternity during an initiation ritual for new members in Uyo, the state capital. The arrests followed a coordinated, intelligence-driven operation aimed at dismantling cult activities within the metropolis.
The suspects were apprehended on Sunday 1st February 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., during a police patrol responding to credible intelligence reports that a cult initiation was taking place at a secondary school along Oron Road. The name of the school was withheld for security and investigative reasons.
Suspects Arrested After Hot Chase
Briefing journalists at the Police Command headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, explained that the suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the patrol team.
According to her, the suspects abandoned a red mini-bus with registration number NYA-164XA and tried to escape. However, following a hot pursuit by the operatives, two suspects—identified as Anietie Isaac and Unyime Effiong, both males—were successfully apprehended.
Incriminating Items Recovered
DSP John disclosed that several items believed to be associated with cult initiation rituals were recovered at the scene. These included one axe, a brown calabash, a bottle of Lord’s alcoholic drink, assorted incense materials, coloured handkerchiefs, and a Neo Black Axe (Neo Lord’s Movement of Africa) sticker.
She said the recovered exhibits further strengthened suspicions that the suspects were actively involved in cult-related activities and leadership within the confraternity.
Police Reaffirm Zero Tolerance for Cultism
The suspects and all recovered exhibits are currently in police custody and undergoing thorough investigation. DSP John stated that further arrests may follow as investigations progress.
She added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Baba Azare, has reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism and other criminal activities, stressing that sustained operations would continue to rid Akwa Ibom State of criminal elements.
The police spokesperson also urged residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid crime prevention and ensure public safety across the state.
