Police arrest 10 suspected cultists in C’River, recover firearms

Police have arrested 10 suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity in the Abini community of Biase Local Government Area, Cross River State, after a coordinated operation led by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU). The suspects were detained early on Saturday, August 22, following sustained intelligence work and surveillance. During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered a locally made pistol, a battle axe, a dagger, a beret with a secret cult insignia, a pair of police camouflage trousers, and a mobile cardigan. The suspects, who include individuals named Jester Enyi, Godwill Mansala, Prosper Okey, Emmanuel Uno, Onyebuchi Eyong, Elisha Emmanuel, Christian Esu, Daniel Uno, Nelson Ibete, and Roland Uno, reportedly confessed during initial questioning that they belonged to the Axe Men Confraternity. The operation was initiated after a petition submitted by the Abini community to the Commissioner of Police on July 29, 2026, concerning alleged cult activities in the area. The Cross River State Police Command confirmed the arrests through a statement released to journalists in Calabar on Saturday. According to the statement, the operation was part of a broader effort to identify and disrupt illegal activities linked to organized groups. The VCRU, which operates under the police command, conducted extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance prior to the raid, leading to the successful identification and apprehension of the suspects. The recovered items suggest the group may engage in violent or ritualistic practices, though specific details remain unclear. The local police emphasized that the operation was a direct response to community concerns and demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing strategies. The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, praised the VCRU for their professional conduct and highlighted the importance of community collaboration in maintaining public safety. He noted that the operation exemplified the Command's commitment to using intelligence and community input to prevent criminal activities from escalating. The Axe Men Confraternity, while not officially recognized as a formal organization, has been associated with reports of violence and intimidation in some parts of Nigeria. Although there is limited public documentation about its structure or activities, the presence of weapons and symbolic items such as the beret suggests the group may operate with a degree of secrecy and hierarchy. The police have not yet disclosed whether the suspects will face charges related to criminal activity, nor have they announced plans for further investigations into the group’s operations. Community leaders in Abini expressed relief at the police action, stating that the arrests had alleviated fears among residents. However, some residents remain concerned about the potential for future unrest, especially given the group’s history of involvement in incidents involving violence. The police have encouraged continued reporting from the community, emphasizing that vigilance and cooperation are essential in addressing such issues. As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to determine the extent of the group’s influence and whether additional arrests are necessary. The case highlights ongoing challenges in combating organized groups that operate outside legal frameworks, often exploiting social tensions and lack of oversight. With the current arrests, the Cross River State Police Command has taken a significant step toward ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law in the region.