By BANNERNEWS Reporters
Police authorities in Delta and Akwa Ibom states have arrested 13 suspects in separate operations and recovered firearms, a motorcycle, suspected illicit drugs and other items.
In Delta State, seven suspected cultists were arrested on September 13 along Ghana Quarters, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the state police command.
The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, identified the suspects as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogh Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.
Edafe said police recovered a fabricated single-barrel gun, one cartridge, suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop from the suspects.
He said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly belonged to the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements concerning alleged involvement in internet fraud.
In Akwa Ibom, the state police command said six suspected armed robbers were arrested over alleged criminal activities across Ikono, Ini and Obot Akara Local Government Areas.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said a suspected native doctor who allegedly provided charms to members of the gang and another suspect accused of producing fake receipts for the disposal of stolen motorcycles were among those arrested.
She said police recovered two single-barrel shotguns, three laptops, a suspected stolen motorcycle, local charms and other fetish items from the suspects, including materials recovered from the native doctor’s shrine.
John said investigation was ongoing to determine the individual roles of the suspects, recover more stolen property and apprehend other members and alleged collaborators of the criminal network.
