Police In Cross River Nab 10 Suspected Cultists, Recover Guns, Other Exhibits
The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity and recovered a locally made pistol and other exhibits following sustained operational follow-up, tactical intelligence and detailed surveillance by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2.
The operation followed a petition on a case of cultism submitted to the Commissioner of Police by the Abini Community, Biase LGA, on 29th July 2026. Following the petition, the Command commenced intelligence gathering and detailed surveillance, which enabled VCRU operatives to identify and track the suspected cult activities within the community.
Consequently, today, 22nd August 2026, at about 0515hrs, VCRU operatives moved into the community and arrested Jester Enyi ‘M’, aged 25 years; Godwill Mansala ‘M’, aged 22 years; Prosper Okey ‘M’, aged 23 years; Emmanuel Uno ‘M’, aged 26 years; Onyebuchi Eyong ‘M’, aged 22 years; Elisha Emmanuel ‘M’, aged 27 years; Christian Esu ‘M’, aged 25 years; Daniel Uno ‘M’, aged 23 years; Nelson Ibete ‘M’, aged 23 years; and Roland Uno ‘M’, aged 18 years.
Exhibits recovered during the operation include one (1) locally made pistol, one (1) battle axe, one (1) dagger, one (1) beret bearing a secret cult logo, one (1) pair of police camouflage trousers and one (1) mobile cardigan. During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly stated that they belonged to the Axe Men Confraternity.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, psc, mnips, mspsp, commended the VCRU operatives for their professionalism and effective deployment of intelligence. He stated that the operation underscores the practical application of the Command’s D-C-I-I-D-D-T policing strategy, particularly Intelligence-Led Policing and Community Policing, in identifying and disrupting criminal activities before they escalate into threats to public safety.
The CP further urge residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the Police, as community partnership remains essential to effective crime prevention.
Meanwhile, efforts have been intensified towards the arrest of other suspects connected with the case. The Command assures the public that all suspects will be subjected to due process and diligent investigation, while anyone found culpable will be made to face the law, according to the statement by ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, Police Public Relations Officer for Cross River State Command on Saturday, 22nd August 2026.
