Police Bust Suspected Cult Armoury, Arrest Two In Akwa Ibom
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have uncovered a suspected cult armoury and recovered illegal firearms at Ikot Obio Ekpong village, Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area.
According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, released on Tuesday, two suspects, Godwin Sunday (35) and Utibe Akpan (32), both residents of the community, were arrested during the operation conducted on Saturday, August 31, 2025, at about 8:30 p.m.
“The arrest was carried out following a credible intelligence-led operation. Operatives swiftly moved to the location, raided a suspected cult hideout, and recovered three locally-made pistols,” the statement read.
DSP John added that preliminary investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the illegal armoury.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents. Further updates will be communicated as they unfold,” she said.
Previously, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command had also arrested 26-year-old Emmanuel Anthony, a suspected cult member, during a raid in Itak Village, Ikono LGA, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.
Recovered items included a locally fabricated pistol, an Ekpo masquerader mask, and charms, with investigations ongoing. This followed the arrest of two other suspected cultists in Obot Akara LGA, from whom firearms and stolen phones were recovered.
Furthermore, seven suspected members of the proscribed Ku Klux Klans confraternity were apprehended with a human skull in Ikot Osura, Ikot Ekpene LGA.
According to DSP Timfon John, the arrests followed a complaint from a student of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic who was ambushed, beaten unconscious, and robbed of a Redmi 13C phone and ₦41,000 on August 25, 2025. A human skull and a firearm were recovered during the operation.
The series of coordinated operations underscores the Akwa Ibom Police Command’s ongoing commitment to tackling cultism, ensuring public safety, and bringing perpetrators to justice.