The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its clampdown on criminal activities with the arrest of suspected cultists and members of a transformer vandalism syndicate in different parts of the state.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the police confirmed that operatives on Monday, August 25, 2025, arrested two suspected cult members in connection with a case of stealing at Ikpe Usung Ita, Obot Akara Local Government Area.
According to the statement, the suspects, identified as Emmanuel Udo Ukut (41) and Marshall Asuquo John (42), were apprehended during a targeted operation aimed at recovering stolen mobile phones. Items recovered from them included one single-barrel locally made gun, three live cartridges, one expended cartridge, a black beret with suspected cult insignia, a black hood believed to be used as a facemask, a black belt, three mobile phones (Tecno Spark 30, Vivo Y15s, and a small Itel phone), as well as a nylon bag containing a substance suspected to be gunpowder.
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“The two suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue,” DSP John said.
In a related development, a joint operation involving the police, the military, and local vigilantes foiled an attempt to vandalise an electricity transformer at Ikot Idim village, Ika Local Government Area, in the early hours of Sunday, August 24, 2025.
The statement revealed that two suspects—Collins Ekwelu Ekene (37), from Orlu in Imo State, and Elijah Edet John (36), from Obot Idem village in Ibesikpo Asutan LGA but residing in Rivers State—were arrested while trying to dismantle the transformer.
Credible intelligence had indicated that a gang specialising in the vandalism of government and private installations was planning to operate in the area. Acting on the tip-off, security operatives laid an ambush at the site, leading to the arrest of the suspects, while three others managed to escape into the surrounding bush.
Items recovered from the scene included two gas cylinders, a towing chain, two iron cutters, an oxygen nozzle, two long iron pipes, and two mobile phones.
DSP John further disclosed that both suspects confessed to the crime during interrogation. He added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend their fleeing accomplices.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reassured residents of its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state. The Command also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements to security agencies for immediate action.
