Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested 15 suspected cultists during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts and identified black spots in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Thursday, saying the operation followed intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb cult-related activities in the area.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were members of the Vikings and Iceland confraternities. The police said further investigations were ongoing to establish their individual affiliations, determine their involvement in cult-related activities and identify others linked to the suspected criminal networks.
The command added that some suspects escaped into nearby creeks during the operation, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend them and recover additional exhibits.
Items recovered included wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice,” and two outboard engines suspected to have been stolen.
Other recovered items included a motorcycle with registration number KTS 346 WZ, suspected to be stolen; cult-related berets; items bearing Vikings inscriptions; bottles containing substances suspected to be charms; and five mobile phones.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to combating cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across the state.
It warned individuals and groups involved in criminal activities to desist, adding that it would continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.
The police also urged residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide credible and timely information to support security operations. They advised the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through appropriate police channels.
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