Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested ten suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations conducted in Esit Eket Local Government Area, recovering firearms, weapons, and other incriminating items.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed the arrests in a statement issued to journalists in Uyo. She said operatives apprehended five suspects — Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaniyene Ekpo, and Aniekan Samuel — who had been on the command’s watchlist. A search during the operation yielded one locally made pistol, charms, a machete, a Point-of-Sale machine, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, and the sum of ₦400,000. All exhibits have been taken into police custody as investigations continue.
In a related operation, acting on a distress call from a member of the public, police responded to reports of suspected cultists firing shots sporadically at a guest house, causing panic in the community. On sighting the patrol team, the suspects fled, but operatives arrested five individuals identified as Destiny Moses, 20; Boniface Clement, 23; Raphael Offiong, 27; Victor Obot, 27; and Sunday Victor, 23.
Items recovered at the scene included an abandoned red Mercedes-Benz C300 saloon car bearing visible bullet damage, a jack knife wrapped with a red ribbon, two face caps bearing insignia of proscribed cult groups, and three empty bottles of alcoholic beverages believed to have been used during the unlawful gathering.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects are members of the proscribed Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as De Norsemen Klan. The Command said efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional evidence.
The Commissioner of Police has reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, urging the public to continue providing timely information that aids crime prevention. All suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
