Aniefiok Christopher
In a renewed campaign against cultism, violent crimes, and other criminal activities across Akwa Ibom, the Police Command has arrested 10 suspected cultists and recovered a locally made pistol, dangerous weapons, charms, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, cult regalia, and other incriminating exhibits.
A press statement by the police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said ‘‘In one of the operations, on 4th August, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., following credible intelligence and in furtherance of an ongoing investigation into cult-related activities, operatives of the Command swiftly mobilized to Akpautong Village, Esit Eket Local Government Area, where five suspected members of a criminal gang who had been on the Command’s watchlist were apprehended.
The suspects, according to the spokesperson, are Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaninyene Ekpo, and Aniekan Samuel, all males and residents of Akpautong Village, Esit Eket Local Government Area.
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‘‘A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, charms, one machete, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, and the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Naira (₦400,000.00), all reasonably suspected to be connected with criminal activities. The exhibits have been taken into police custody, while investigations continue to determine their relevance to other ongoing cases.’’
The statement said ‘Operatives of the Command, acting on a distress call from a vigilant member of the public on 31st July, 2026, responded promptly to reports that a group of suspected cultists had unlawfully assembled at a guest house, where they were allegedly shooting sporadically into the air and causing panic within the community.
‘‘On sighting the approaching police patrol team, the hoodlums fled in different directions. However, the operatives successfully arrested five suspects identified as Destiny Moses (20), Boniface Clement (23), Raphael Offiong (27), Victor Obot (27), and Sunday Victor (23).
‘‘Items recovered at the scene include one abandoned red Mercedes-Benz C300 saloon car bearing visible bullet damage, one jack knife wrapped with a red ribbon, two face caps bearing the insignia of proscribed cult groups, and three empty bottles of alcoholic beverages believed to have been used during the unlawful gathering.
‘‘Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of the proscribed Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as De Norsemen Klan. Efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional incriminating exhibits,’’ the statement stated.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the courage, professionalism, and swift response of the operatives involved in both operations. He reiterated that the Command remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks and ensuring that cultism, armed violence, and other threats to public peace have no foothold anywhere within Akwa Ibom State.
The Command also expresses its appreciation to members of the public whose timely and credible information continue to support police operations. Residents are encouraged to remain security conscious, promptly report suspicious activities, and continue partnering with the Police in the collective effort to maintain peace, law, and order across the State.
