Police Arrest 15 Suspected Cultists In Akwa Ibom, Recover Drugs, Stolen Items

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 15 suspected cultists during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts in Atia coastal village, Ibeno Local Government Area, recovering suspected illicit drugs, outboard engines and other items.

The police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said the operation was conducted on October 20, 2026, at about 5 p.m., following intelligence provided by residents.

She said the raid was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, as part of efforts to tackle cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities in the state.

According to her, operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters targeted suspected cultists’ hideouts and identified black spots in the community.

John identified some of the suspects as Dominic, 35, popularly known as “Don Sars,” from Esit Eket Local Government Area; Ndifreke Paul, 29, alias “Black Satan,” from Onna Local Government Area; and Etim Oboho, 46, from Urue-Offong/Oruko Local Government Area.

She said two suspects, identified as Ubong Dominic, alias “Don Sars,” and Ndifreke Paul, alias “Black Satan,” allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation to belonging to the Vikings and Iceland confraternities.

The police spokesperson said investigations were continuing to establish the suspects’ alleged affiliations, determine their involvement in cult-related activities and identify other persons connected 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 called “Ice,” and two suspected stolen eight-horsepower outboard engines.

Other exhibits were a 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.

John said some suspects reportedly escaped into surrounding creeks, adding that police operatives were pursuing them and working to recover other possible exhibits.

She said the command remained committed to combating cultism, drug-related offences and other crimes through intelligence-led policing and targeted operations.

The commissioner warned individuals and groups involved in criminal activities to desist, assuring residents, visitors and investors of the command’s determination to improve security across Akwa Ibom State.

The suspects’ alleged offences remain subject to investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.