Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested 25 suspected cultists, including 10 females, following a coordinated operation based on credible intelligence.
The police listed some of the male suspects as Ubong Victor, Gabriel Utitofon, Liberty Sunday, Onyekachi Celestine, Sifon Ekong, Aniekeme Friday, and Emmanuel Sunday, among others.
The female suspects include Ella Sunday, Esther Samuel, Gift Okon, Esther Effiong, Delight Eze, Agatha Godwin, Faith Simon, Favour Naru, Precious Effiong, and Hope Edet.
Items recovered during the operation include a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, a red beret, as well as a motorcycle and a minibus, both of which were impounded.
In a statement issued on Monday in Uyo, the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, said the operation was carried out in Abak Local Government Area in line with directives from the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed, to intensify raids on identified black spots and dismantle criminal networks.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested on May 3, 2026, at about 9:19 p.m., when operatives stormed a notorious location in Oku Abak Village, where members of a suspected secret cult confraternity were reportedly holding a meeting.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on criminal elements across the state,” the statement read.
“Acting on credible intelligence and in compliance with the Commissioner of Police’s directive, operatives carried out a successful operation in Abak Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of suspected cultists at a known black spot.”
The command reiterated its commitment to ridding the state of cultism and other criminal activities, warning perpetrators to desist or face the full weight of the law.
It also urged residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information on suspicious activities within their communities.