The police have arrested 17 suspects over offences of cultism and other criminal activities in Abia State.
The command made the arrest of the individuals of ages 18 and 28 during an enforcement carried out at various crime reported spots after it received an intelligence stating that they were en-route to perpetrate criminal activities after which pistols and other harmful objects were recovered from them.
The Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, said that the suspects were caught with one black beret and axe, two cutlasses, five shotguns, three live ammunitions, 13 mobile phones, which has been taken to the station to aid investigation, interrogation and sentencing.
Chinaka mentioned that the initiative was sequel to a reported upsurge in cult-related activities in the state, as well as an incident of a man who was macheted to death by a group of cultists at Ehere, near Opobo Junction, where another individual was shot by suspected cultists.
The Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, on Wednesday, informed that the suspects would be charged to court upon investigation.
Isa reiterated the police’s unwavering commitment against crimes and ensuring a habitable place for all, assuring protection of lives and properties as well as preventing and detecting crimes.
“There will be no hiding place for cultism and other criminal activities in the state,” the police commissioner said.
“While the Command continues its awareness campaign through the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) unit in schools and communities, members of the public are advised to partner with the Police by reporting any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.”