Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested 25 suspected cultists, including 10 women, during a raid in Abak Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which took place on May 3, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cult members gathering at a notorious location in Oku Abak village.
The raid was carried out as part of ongoing efforts by the command to clamp down on cultism and other criminal activities across the state.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the operation was conducted on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, who had ordered intensified raids on criminal hideouts and black spots.
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According to the statement, operatives stormed the location at about 9:19 p.m. and apprehended the suspects during what was believed to be a meeting of a secret cult group.
The police described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on criminal elements, noting that the suspects were caught in the act of assembling.
Items recovered from the scene include a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, a red beret suspected to be linked to cult activities, as well as a motorcycle and a minibus.
The male suspects were identified as Ubong Victor, Gabriel Utitofon, Liberty Sunday, Onyekachi Celestine, Sifon Ekong, Aniekeme Friday, Emmanuel Sunday, Emmanuel Johnson, Usiene Michael, Michael Effiong, Mbetobong Johnson, Christian Daniel, Baribor Zorka, Solomon John, and Moses Eno.
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.
Reaffirming its commitment to maintaining law and order, the police command warned individuals involved in cultism and other crimes to desist or face the full weight of the law.
It also urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and useful information.
The latest arrests underscore the command’s ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety in Akwa Ibom State.
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