Police operatives in Akwa Ibom State have arrested 15 suspected cultists during a raid on suspected criminal hideouts in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno LGA and also recovered suspected illicit drugs, two outboard engines, a motorcycle and other items.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John, who disclosed this in a press statement on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, added that the operation was conducted on October 20 at about 5:00 p.m. by operatives of the Ibeno Divisional Police Headquarters.
According to the statement, the operation followed intelligence-led efforts to dismantle criminal hideouts and curb cult-related activities in the area, in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi.
Among the suspects arrested were a 35-year-old man identified as Dominic, popularly known as “Don Sars,” from Esit Eket Local Government Area; a 29-year-old man, Ndifreke Paul, alias “Black Satan,” from Onna LGA; and a 46-year-old man, Etim Oboho, from Urue-Offong/Oruko LGA, alongside 12 other suspects.
The police said preliminary interrogation revealed that two of the suspects, Ubong Dominic, also known as “Don Sars,” and Ndifreke Paul, alias “Black Satan,” allegedly confessed to belonging to the Vikings and Iceland confraternities.
The statement added that investigations were ongoing to establish the suspects’ affiliations, determine their level of involvement in cult-related activities and identify other individuals connected to the suspected criminal networks.
Items recovered during the operation included wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp, substances suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice,” two suspected stolen 8-horsepower outboard engines and a motorcycle with registration number KTS 346 WZ, suspected to have been stolen.
Other recovered items were cult-related berets, materials bearing Vikings inscriptions, bottles containing substances suspected to be charms and five mobile phones.
The statement further disclosed that while 15 suspects were arrested, others escaped into the surrounding creeks, and added that efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover other possible exhibits.
Reacting to the development, the Akwa ibom Commissioner of Police reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across the state, warning individuals and groups involved in criminal acts to desist or face lawful prosecution.
The Command also called on residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support security operations by providing credible and timely information to the police.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through appropriate police channels, assuring residents of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and security throughout Akwa Ibom State.
