Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Cultists, Vehicle Thief, and Burglary Suspect in Fresh Crackdown

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its operations across communities in the state, leading to the arrest of suspected cultists, a vehicle thief, and a burglary suspect in separate incidents in Ibesikpo and Uyo.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on criminal elements threatening the peace of the state.

According to the statement, on Sunday, July 14, 2025, at about 9:20 pm, police operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed Ikot Ambon village and apprehended two suspected cult members. The suspects, identified as Goodwill Nyong Ekwere, 26, and Obon Asukwo Udom, 33, both from Nung Ukana village, were reportedly caught in possession of a locally made double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a wrap of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, and ₦200 cash.

“During preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of a cult group known as Vikings. A manhunt has been launched to track down other members of the group still at large,” the statement read.

In a separate operation on Tuesday, July 15, at about 6:50 am, police officers arrested one Solomon Anthony John, a resident of Nsit Ubium LGA, in connection with the theft of a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number UWN 84 XD. The stolen vehicle was recovered and impounded following targeted investigation.

Also on the same day, at about 5:30 am, a burglary incident was foiled at Itiam Bus Stop along Oron Road in Uyo. A group of young men were reportedly spotted moving a split-unit air conditioner suspected to be stolen. While most of the suspects fled the scene, police arrested one of them, identified as Gift Orji Ogbuji, 24, after a hot chase. Items recovered from the scene include a Samsung split-unit air conditioner and a petrol dispensing machine believed to have been stolen by the gang.

The arrested suspects are currently in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend their fleeing accomplices and recover more stolen items.

The police command reassured residents of its commitment to maintaining peace and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities in their communities.