Cross River Police Arrest 10 Suspected Cultists, Recover Pistol

The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity during a raid in Abini Community, Cross River State.

The operatives recovered a locally made pistol and other items.

The suspects were arrested at about 5:15 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2026, by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2, following weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The raid followed a petition on cultism submitted by residents of Abini Community to the Commissioner of Police on July 29, 2026, according to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, on Saturday.

The suspects are Jester Enyi, 25; Godwill Mansala, 22; Prosper Okey, 23; Emmanuel Uno, 26; Onyebuchi Eyong, 22; Elisha Emmanuel, 27; Christian Esu, 25; Daniel Uno, 23; Nelson Ibete, 23; and Roland Uno, 18.

Police said items recovered during the operation included a locally made pistol, a battle axe, a dagger, a beret bearing a secret cult logo, a pair of police camouflage trousers and a mobile cardigan.

The command said the suspects allegedly admitted during preliminary interrogation to belonging to the Axe Men Confraternity.

The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other suspects connected to the case.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, urged residents to provide credible and timely information to the police to support investigations and crime prevention.

The command said suspects found culpable would face prosecution under the law.