The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on cultism, arresting 25 suspected cultists during a late-night operation in Abak Local Government Area.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command’s Emergency Response Squad (ERS) stormed a known criminal hideout at Oku Abak Village around 9:19pm on May 3, 2026. The location had reportedly been used as an assembly point for members of a secret cult confraternity.
A statement endorsed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, confirmed that 25 suspects, comprising both male and female individuals, were apprehended during the raid, marking one of the largest single arrests linked to cult-related activities in recent operations within the State.
It says a search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, two live cartridges, and a red beret believed to be associated with cult activities.
Security operatives also impounded three motorcycles and a minibus suspected of being used in criminal operations.
The statement said the suspects are currently in custody and are cooperating with investigators, while efforts are ongoing to track other fleeing members of the group.
“The operation forms part of a broader directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, to intensify raids on identified criminal hotspots and dismantle cult networks across the state.”
Reaffirming the Command’s stance, the Commissioner warned criminal elements to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, urging residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts to rid the state of cultism and related crimes.
Police authorities say investigations are ongoing and further developments will be communicated as they unfold.