Akwa Ibom Police Raid Cult Suspects’ Hideout, Recover Weapons & ₦400,000
By ETETE EKONG
THE Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
The police also recovered a locally made pistol, machete, charms, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, cult regalia, a POS machine and ₦400,000.
The Command said the arrests followed its renewed crackdown on cultism and other criminal activities.
Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
She said operatives arrested five suspected cultists at Akpatong Village in Esit Eket Local Government Area on 4 August 2026.
The operation followed credible intelligence and an ongoing investigation into cult-related activities.
Police said the five suspects were already on its watchlist.
They were identified as Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaniyene Ekpo and Aniekan Samuel.
All five suspects are males and residents of Akpatong Village.
Operatives searched the suspects and their premises during the operation.
They recovered a locally made pistol, charms, a machete, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, a POS machine and ₦400,000.
The police said it had taken the exhibits into custody.
It added that investigators were examining their possible links to other criminal cases.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly belonged to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as De Norsemen Klan.
The police described the group as a proscribed confraternity.
The Command said it had intensified efforts to arrest other suspected members who escaped during the operation.
It also said officers were working to recover additional exhibits linked to the alleged criminal activities.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and intelligence-led operations.
He said the police would continue to target criminal networks and protect lives and property across Akwa Ibom.
The Command also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and help prevent further criminal activities.
