The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects in connection with various criminal activities, including cultism and theft, in Uyo and surrounding communities.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, two of the suspects confessed to being members of a notorious cult group known as the Vikings, while the other two were arrested for theft-related offences.
DSP John said the arrests followed credible intelligence received from residents, prompting a discreet operation by officers of the command in Ikot Ambon village, near Uyo, on Sunday, July 14.
“At about 9:20pm, our operatives carried out a strategic raid in Ikot Ambon where two suspected cultists were apprehended,” she stated.
Items reportedly recovered from the scene include a locally made double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, and a wrap of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, among other items. She added that a manhunt has been launched to track other members of the cult group who remain at large.
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In a separate operation, the command arrested a suspect from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area on Tuesday, July 15, in connection with the theft of a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number UWN 84 XD. The arrest followed a report from the vehicle’s owner, which led to a targeted investigation and the eventual recovery of the stolen truck.
Also on the same day, police officers responded to a distress call at Itiam Bus Stop along Oron Road in Uyo, leading to the arrest of another suspect for allegedly stealing a split-unit air conditioner.
The police spokesperson confirmed that all arrested suspects are in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
DSP John reiterated the command’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, urging the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
“We are ever ready to respond to any breach of peace. We encourage residents to report any suspicious persons or movements in their surroundings,” she said.
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