…three alleged Vikings members, one security guard in custody as police recover drugs, vandalized cables
By Ime Silas
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has announced major arrests in a renewed offensive against cultism, drug abuse, and the vandalism of public infrastructure, with four suspects now in custody and several incriminating exhibits recovered across Uyo and environs.
In a press statement released on July 6, 2026, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Command said the operations were carried out on the strength of credible intelligence and reflect its “unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and public assets.”
According to the statement, operatives conducted a coordinated, intelligence-led raid on a residential building off Abak Road in Uyo, an address previously flagged as a hideout for cult-related activities and illicit drug use.
Three suspected members of the notorious Vikings Confraternity were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Dick Udofia, Emem Charles, and Ubong Matthew.
During the search, officers recovered substances suspected to be Methamphetamine, commonly called “Ice”, cannabis, popularly known as Indian hemp, and other items linked to drug consumption.
Police said preliminary investigations showed that all three suspects admitted to being members of the Vikings Confraternity. Investigators also uncovered details of a forced initiation said to have taken place on July 5, 2026, at the same location. Ubong Matthew allegedly told police he was forcefully initiated during a ceremony reportedly masterminded by Dick Udofia.
The statement noted that the suspects are students of a polytechnic whose name is being withheld for ongoing investigative reasons. They are currently assisting detectives with information, while efforts are underway to track down other fleeing members of the group.
In a separate operation, the Command arrested Joshua Akpan, 32, a security guard with a private security firm. The arrest followed actionable intelligence connecting him to a syndicate accused of vandalizing and stealing armoured electrical cables and other installations from churches, homes, factories, and government facilities.
Acting on a duly executed search warrant, police searched Akpan’s residence and recovered cut-to-size armoured cables, bundles of vandalized wires, pliers, an iron-cutting blade, a hammer, and other tools believed to have been used in the crimes.
During interrogation, Akpan reportedly confessed to vandalizing and stealing electrical cables from the Catholic Cathedral where he was posted as a guard. Investigations are continuing to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover more stolen property.
Reacting to the breakthroughs, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and swift response. He said the Command “remains resolute in dismantling criminal networks, combating cultism and drug-related crimes, and safeguarding public infrastructure across the state.”
CP Azare warned individuals involved in cultism, drug trafficking, and vandalism to desist or face the full weight of the law, adding that intelligence-driven policing will continue to be used to identify, arrest, and prosecute offenders.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and partner with the police by providing timely and credible information, assuring that all information will be handled with confidentiality and acted upon promptly.
With cult clashes and infrastructure vandalism increasingly threatening public safety and economic stability in other states, the latest arrests signal that Akwa Ibom Police are intensifying efforts to ensure calm and protect critical assets.
