The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cultism, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities, with the arrest of seven suspected cultists during a raid on identified black spots in Uyo and Ibesikpo Local Government Areas.
In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Timfon John, said the operation was carried out at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by operatives of the Command who raided criminal hideouts identified through intelligence as hubs for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs and activities associated with cultism.
DSP John said during the operation, seven male suspects were arrested. They are Mbosowo Effiong, Anthony Eden, David Bright, Usen Oko, Ndifreke Friday, Ndifreke Effiong and Ubokobong Esang.
She said a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, alongside smoking paraphernalia, including Rizzlers, from the suspects.
According to her, the operation forms part of the Command’s sustained intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle criminal networks, disrupt the distribution and consumption of illicit substances, and deny criminal elements safe havens to perpetrate unlawful activities.
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The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reiterated the Command’s commitment to confronting cultism, drug-related offences and all forms of criminality through proactive policing, targeted operations and strategic intelligence gathering.
He said the Command will not allow criminal elements to turn residential communities into breeding grounds for illicit drug activities, cult-related violence and other threats to public safety. He warned individuals and groups involved in such activities to desist immediately, as the Police will continue to identify, pursue and bring offenders to justice.
The Command reassured residents of its determination to sustain the offensive against criminality and urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace, law and order across the State.
