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Police arrest seven suspected cultists during raids in Uyo and Ibesikpo.
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Several wraps of suspected Indian hemp and smoking paraphernalia recovered.
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CP Azare warns criminals against turning residential communities into crime hubs.
November 11, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested seven suspected cultists and recovered suspected Indian hemp during raids on identified criminal hideouts in Uyo and Ibesikpo Local Government Areas.
The operation, conducted at about 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, was part of an intensified security offensive against cultism, illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities across the state.
The police said the targeted locations were identified through intelligence gathering as alleged centres for the sale and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as activities associated with cultism and other forms of criminality.
Those arrested were identified as Mbosowo Effiong, Anthony Eden, David Bright, Usen Oko, Ndifreke Friday, Ndifreke Effiong and Ubokobong Esang.
A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of several wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and smoking accessories, including Rizzlers.
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The Command said the operation was aimed at dismantling criminal networks, disrupting the distribution and consumption of illicit substances and preventing criminal elements from using residential communities as safe havens.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, said the Command would sustain its intelligence-driven operations against cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities.
Azare warned individuals and groups involved in criminal activities to desist, stressing that the police would continue to identify, pursue and bring offenders to justice in accordance with the law.
He added that the Command would not allow criminal elements to turn residential communities into breeding grounds for illicit drug activities, cult-related violence and other threats to public safety.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to support ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the state.
