The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested 15 suspected cultists during a targeted raid on suspected criminal hideouts and identified black spots in Atia Coastal Village, Ibeno Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted on October 20, followed intelligence gathered by security operatives as part of efforts to dismantle suspected criminal networks and curb cult-related activities in the coastal community.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said among those arrested were Ndifreke Paul, 29, also known as “Black Satan”, from Onna Local Government Area; Dominic, 35, popularly known as “Don Sars”, from Esit Eket; and Etim Oboho, 46, from Urue-Offong/Oruko, alongside 12 other suspects.

The police said preliminary interrogation indicated that Dominic and Paul allegedly confessed to membership of the Vikings and Iceland confraternities respectively. Authorities said investigations were continuing to establish the suspects’ individual affiliations, determine their alleged involvement in cult-related activities and identify other persons connected to the suspected networks.

During the operation, officers recovered wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and another substance suspected to be methamphetamine, popularly known as “Ice”. Two suspected stolen eight-horsepower outboard engines were also recovered.

Other items recovered included a motorcycle with registration number KTS 346 WZ, suspected to have been stolen, cult-related berets, items bearing Vikings inscriptions, bottles containing substances suspected to be charms and five mobile phones.

The command said some individuals escaped into nearby creeks during the operation. Police operatives have since intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover additional exhibits believed to be connected to criminal activities in the area.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling cultism, drug-related offences and other criminal activities through intelligence-led policing, targeted raids and other lawful operations.

The police also appealed to residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in identifying criminal networks and preventing further offences across the state.