Police Arrest 15 Suspected Cultists, Recover Stolen Outboard Engines In Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 15 suspected cultists during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts and identified black spots in Atia coastal village, Ibeno Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, conducted on October 20, 2026, also led to the recovery of suspected illicit drugs, two suspected stolen outboard engines, a motorcycle, cult-related items and five mobile phones.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this to journalists at the command headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, saying the operation followed credible intelligence provided by concerned residents.

According to her, the raid was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, as part of efforts to intensify the crackdown on cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across the state.

John said operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters carried out the operation at about 5 p.m. to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb cult-related activities in the coastal community.

She said two of the suspects, identified as Ubong Dominic, 35, alias “Don Sars,” from Esit Eket Local Government Area, and Ndifreke Paul, 29, alias “Black Satan,” from Onna Local Government Area, allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation to belonging to the Vikings and Iceland confraternities, respectively.

Other suspects include Etim Oboho, 46, from Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area, and 12 others.

The police spokesperson said investigations were ongoing to establish the suspects’ affiliations, determine their level of involvement in cult-related activities and identify other individuals linked to the suspected criminal networks.

Items recovered during the operation included wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, substances suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice,” and two suspected stolen eight-horsepower outboard engines.

Other exhibits included a motorcycle with registration number KTS 346 WZ, suspected to have been stolen; cult-related berets; items bearing Vikings inscriptions; bottles containing substances suspected to be charms; and five mobile handsets.

John disclosed that while some suspects were apprehended, others reportedly escaped into surrounding creeks during the operation.

She said police operatives were pursuing the fleeing suspects and working to recover additional exhibits before bringing those involved to justice.

The police spokesperson quoted the commissioner as reiterating the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities, adding that the command remained committed to ensuring the safety of residents, visitors, tourists and investors in the state.

She warned individuals and groups involved in criminal activities to desist, stressing that the command would sustain intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.