By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected cult members and recovered a locally made pistol and other exhibits during an early morning operation in Abini community, Biase LGA.
The operation was carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2, at about 5:15am on Saturday following intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The police said the operation was triggered by a petition submitted by the Abini community to the Commissioner of Police on July 29 over alleged cultism in the area.
Those arrested were identified as Jester Enyi, 25; Godwill Mansala, 22; Prosper Okey, 23; Emmanuel Uno, 26; Onyebuchi Eyong, 22; Elisha Emmanuel, 27; Christian Esu, 25; Daniel Uno, 23; Nelson Ibete, 23; and Roland Uno, 18.
Items recovered from the suspects, according to the police, included a locally made pistol, battle axe, dagger, beret bearing a secret cult logo, a pair of police camouflage trousers and a mobile cardigan.
The suspects allegedly told investigators during preliminary interrogation that they belonged to the Axe Men Confraternity.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, praised the VCRU team for the operation, describing it as an example of intelligence-led policing and effective community partnership.
Ordue called on residents to provide the police with credible information that could assist in preventing crime and disrupting criminal groups.
The Command said investigation was ongoing and that efforts were being made to apprehend other persons allegedly connected to the case.
It added that the arrested suspects would be given due process and that those found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
