The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 15 suspected cultists during a targeted raid on cultists’ hideouts and black spots in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters on October 20, 2026, at about 5:00 p.m., following intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb cult-related activities in the area.
The State Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a press release issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
According to DSP John, the suspects include Dominic Ubong, male, 35 years, alias “Don Sars,” of Esit Eket LGA; Ndifreke Paul, male, 29 years, alias “Black Satan,” of Onna LGA; Etim Oboho, male, 46 years, of Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA; and 12 other suspects.
During preliminary interrogation, two of the suspects, Ubong Dominic, alias “Don Sars,” and Ndifreke Paul, alias “Black Satan,” allegedly confessed to membership of the Vikings and Iceland confraternities.
Related: Police Arrest Three Notorious Cultists, Recover Exhibits In Akwa Ibom
The Command said investigations are ongoing to establish their respective affiliations, determine their level of involvement in cult-related activities, and identify other persons connected to the suspected criminal networks.
Items recovered during the operation include wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp; substances suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”; two suspected stolen 8-horsepower outboard engines; one motorcycle bearing 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 handsets.
The Police said while some suspects were arrested, others reportedly escaped into the surrounding creeks, adding that efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover other possible exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across the state.
He warned individuals and groups engaged in criminal activities to desist, noting that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful strategies to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders.
The Command urged members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders to support security efforts by providing credible and timely information and to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through appropriate police channels.
