The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected cultists with dangerous weapons, charms and quantities of cannabis sativa also known as Indian hemp.

The state police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a press release on Saturday, said that the Command achieved the feat following its renewed clampdown on criminals and cultists across the state.

DSP John revealed that following intelligence reports, give suspected cultists were were picked up on the 4th of August , 2026 at Akpautong village in Esit Eket local government area of the state.

“In separate intelligence-led operations carried out by operatives of the Command, a total of ten (10) suspected cultists were arrested, while a locally made pistol, dangerous weapons, charms, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, cult regalia, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered.

‘In one of the operations, on 4th August, 2026, at about 3:00 p.m., following credible intelligence and in furtherance of an ongoing investigation into cult-related activities, operatives of the Command swiftly mobilized to Akpatong Village, Esit Eket Local Government Area, where five suspected members of a criminal gang who had been on the Command’s watchlist were apprehended.

“The suspects are Benjamin James, Moses Asuquo, Isaac Jimmy, Akaniyene Ekpo, and Aniekan Samuel, all males and residents of Akpatong Village, Esit Eket Local Government Area.

“A thorough search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, charms, one machete, a Point-of-Sale (POS) machine, suspected cannabis sativa seeds, and the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Naira (₦400,000.00), all reasonably suspected to be connected with criminal activities.

“The exhibits have been taken into police custody, while investigations continue to determine their relevance to other ongoing cases.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspects are members of the proscribed Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as De Norsemen Klan.

“Efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional incriminating exhibits.

“These successful operations underscore the unwavering commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, to ensuring the safety of lives and property through proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and decisive action against criminal elements”, the release stated. (The Nation)