Akwa Ibom Police Uncover Cult Armoury, Recover Firearms Through Intelligence-Led Raid

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command says it has uncovered a suspected cult armoury and seized illegal firearms during an intelligence-driven raid in Ikot Obio Ekpong village, Mkpat-Enin Local Government Area.

According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, the operation was carried out on Saturday, August 31, 2025, at about 8:30 p.m., following credible intelligence.

During the raid, two suspects, 35-year-old Godwin Sunday and 32-year-old Utibe Akpan, both residents of the community, were arrested. Police operatives also recovered three locally fabricated pistols from the scene.

“The arrest was executed after credible information was received, leading to a swift raid on the suspected cult hideout. Investigations are ongoing to track down other suspects connected to the armoury,” DSP John said.

She stressed that the Command will continue to deploy intelligence-led operations to tackle cultism and curb the spread of illegal arms in the state.

The raid forms part of a series of recent crackdowns by the Akwa Ibom Police Command. On August 26, operatives apprehended 26-year-old Emmanuel Anthony, a suspected cultist, in Itak Village, Ikono LGA, where a locally-made pistol, charms, and an Ekpo masquerader mask were recovered.

Similarly, two other suspected cult members were arrested in Obot Akara LGA, with firearms and stolen phones seized. In another operation in Ikot Osura, Ikot Ekpene LGA, seven members of the proscribed Ku Klux Klans confraternity were arrested with a human skull and a weapon.

Police said the Ikot Ekpene arrests followed a report by a student of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, who was attacked and robbed of ₦41,000 and a Redmi 13C phone.

DSP John reiterated the Command’s determination to rid the state of cult-related activities and safeguard residents, noting that updates on ongoing investigations will be provided in due course.

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