Uyo, In a series of coordinated operations, officers of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested suspected cultists, a vehicle thief, and a burglary suspect in different parts of the state, reinforcing the Command’s intensified efforts to flush out criminal elements.
According to a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the arrests followed actionable intelligence and swift responses to distress calls by residents.
On Sunday, July 14, at about 9:20 p.m., police operatives stormed Ikot Ambon village in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area, where two suspected cultists were apprehended. The suspects, identified as Goodwill Nyong Ekwere (26) and Obon Asukwo Udom (33), both of Nung Ukana village, were found with a locally made double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a wrap of suspected Indian hemp, and ₦200 cash.
Preliminary investigations revealed that both men are members of the notorious Vikings cult group. The police have since launched a manhunt for other fleeing members of the group.
In a separate operation on Tuesday, July 15, at about 6:50 a.m., operatives arrested one Solomon Anthony John, a native of Nsit Ubium LGA, in connection with the theft of a Mercedes Benz truck (registration number UWN 84 XD). The truck, which had been reported stolen, was traced and successfully recovered through a targeted investigative effort.
Earlier that same day, at about 5:30 a.m., police responded to a distress call at Itiam Bus Stop, along Oron Road in Uyo. Upon arrival, officers intercepted a group of young men suspected of moving stolen property. While most of the suspects fled, one identified as Gift Orji Ogbuji (24) was apprehended after a hot chase. Recovered from the scene were a Samsung split-unit air conditioner and a petrol dispensing machine, both suspected to have been stolen by the same gang.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue, with police vowing to arrest other accomplices and recover additional stolen items.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and order across the state. It urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.
