The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested two suspected cult members, a vehicle thief, and a burglary suspect in Ibesikpo and Uyo local government areas.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, in a statement on Wednesday in Uyo, said the arrests followed intensified operations to rid the state of criminal elements.
She said on July 14, police operatives arrested two suspected cultists, Goodwill Nyong Ekwere, 26, and Obon Asukwo Udom, 33, at Ikot Ambon village. Items recovered from them included a locally made double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a wrap of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, and N200 cash.
The suspects confessed to being members of Vikings confraternity, and a manhunt has been launched for other fleeing members.
John also said on July 15, police arrested Solomon Anthony John from Nsit Ubium LGA for allegedly stealing a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number UWN 84 XD, which was recovered during investigation.
She added that the same day, operatives arrested a burglary suspect, Gift Orji Ogbuji, 24, along Oron Road in Uyo after he and his gang attempted to move a stolen Samsung split-unit air-conditioner. A petrol dispensing machine was also recovered, while other suspects fled.
The Command reassured residents of its commitment to tackling crime and urged the public to report suspicious persons and movements promptly.