By Our Correspondent
UYO — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested fifteen suspected cultists during a targeted raid on criminal hideouts in Ibeno Local Government Area, recovering suspected stolen outboard engines, a motorcycle, illicit drugs and cult paraphernalia.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters, was conducted on October 20, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., at Atia Coastal Village, following credible intelligence on the activities of cult groups terrorising the coastal community.
In a press statement issued on October 21, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, DSP Timfon John, said the raid was in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, to sustain the fight against cultism, drug trafficking and other criminal activities in the state.
According to the statement, the intelligence-led operation led to the arrest of fifteen suspects, including three identified as Dominic, 35, alias “Don Sars” from Esit Eket LGA, Ndifreke Paul, 29, alias “Black Satan” from Onna LGA, and Etim Oboho, 46, from Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA. Twelve other suspects were also apprehended during the raid.
Preliminary interrogation revealed that two of the suspects, Ubong Dominic alias “Don Sars” and Ndifreke Paul alias “Black Satan” allegedly confessed to being members of the Vikings and Iceland confraternities respectively. The police said investigations are ongoing to establish their affiliations, level of involvement in cult-related activities and to identify other members of the criminal network.
Items recovered during the operation include wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, substances suspected to be methamphetamine popularly known as “Ice,” two suspected stolen 8-horsepower outboard engines, one 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 disclosed that while fifteen suspects were arrested, some others escaped into the surrounding creeks during the operation. It added that efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover more exhibits.
Reiterating the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements, CP Azare warned individuals and groups involved in cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal acts to desist forthwith, stressing that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.
He also called on members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders to support security efforts by providing credible and timely information to the police, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements through appropriate channels.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command assured residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security across the state.
The arrests in Ibeno come amid renewed efforts by the Command to dismantle cult groups and black spots, particularly in coastal and riverine communities where stolen fishing equipment and outboard engines have been a recurring security concern.