The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended six suspected cultists in separate stop-and-search operations across the state, recovering arms, weapons, and other incriminating materials.
In a statement released on Sunday, the command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that the arrests were made following an intensified security crackdown ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Itam.
Police operatives from the Anaku Divisional Headquarters intercepted a group of eight individuals riding on a motorcycle at Anaku/Omor Junction.
However, upon being stopped for a search, the suspects attempted to escape. A hot pursuit ensued, leading to the arrest of three of them, identified as:
Okafor Chibike
Ekene Lucky Nwadigbu
Godwin Osaz
Recovered from the suspects’ bag were:
One locally made double-barrel gun
One locally made revolver pistol
One dagger
Three Android phones
Four ATM cards
The police have launched a manhunt for the remaining five suspects who managed to flee the scene.
In a separate incident, police operatives from Awgbu Divisional Headquarters intercepted three more suspects at Eke Awgbu Junction on February 1, 2025, at around 7:43 p.m.
The suspects, traveling in a tricycle, were identified as:
Chidera Nwochia (20 years old, from Amiri Orlu, Imo State)
Chizurumu Elvis (23 years old, from Mbano, Imo State)
Kosisochukwu Obiechina (21 years old, from Agukwu Nri, Anambra State)
Upon searching their vehicle, officers recovered:
One 7.62mm live ammunition
A black axe
A gallon of a substance suspected to be hard drugs
A local pot
Red and white cloth with NBM and the number 7 inscription
Several pieces of red and white clothing and candles
Suspected Cult Activity
Preliminary investigations revealed that both sets of suspects are linked to the Black Axe Confraternity and the Aye Confraternity.
They reportedly confessed to being en route to initiation ceremonies at their respective cult hideouts.
The police have also seized the tricycle and motorcycle used by the suspects.
SP Ikenga assured that the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. Once the inquiry is completed, they will be charged to court accordingly.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to clamping down on cult activities and criminal networks in the state, urging residents to report suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
