Police Arrest Cultists, Dismiss Viral Insecurity Claims In Abia

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa has dismissed as misleading a viral video circulating on social media alleging rising insecurity and the unchecked activities of criminal groups within the state.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, stated that the claims do not reflect the true security situation in Abia State, emphasizing that the state capital remains peaceful with residents going about their lawful activities without fear.

The Command disclosed that from January to date, it has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained crackdown on cultism and related crimes. According to the statement, a total of 13 cult-related cases have been investigated, leading to the arrest and arraignment of 23 suspects who have since been remanded in correctional custody. Additionally, 32 arms were recovered during various operations, while five other cult-related cases are currently under investigation.

The statement also disclosed the command’s proactive security strategies, including coordinated stop-and-search operations, intensified patrols across divisional areas, and the deployment of the Anti-Cultism Unit and other tactical teams.

CP Isa however reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring residents that security agencies remain vigilant and proactive in curbing criminal activities.

He urged members of the public to continue their normal activities without fear and to support security efforts by reporting suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency lines.

The statement reads in parts, “The Abia State Police Command is aware of a video circulating online alleging the presence and activities of certain groups, as well as insecurity within the state capital, while alleging that authorities have remained silent. This claim is misleading and does not reflect the true security situation in Abia State.

“From January to date, the Command has recorded significant operational successes in the fight against cultism and related crimes. A total of 13 cult-related cases have been investigated, 23 suspects arrested, arraigned in court and remanded in correctional custody and 32 arms recovered during these operations. Currently, five cult-related cases are also under interrogation. These efforts are part of the Command’s zero-tolerance for cultism and its commitment to sustaining relative peace and security across the state. The State Capital remains safe, peaceful as residents go about their lawful activities.

“Leveraging on actionable intelligence, the Command recently apprehended suspects linked to cult clashes at Isi Gate on the 13th and 18th of March. Additionally, another group of suspected cultists were arrested at Orji River Street by Enugu Road, Umuahia in connection with a shooting incident during a cult clash. These arrests form part of the ongoing investigations and they will be charged to court at the conclusion of investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of these criminal groups.

“Proactively, the Command has sustained and intensified its overt operational strategies. These include coordinated stop-and-search operations, robust patrols across divisional areas of responsibility including the deployment of the Anti-Cultism Unit and other tactical teams, as well as continuous intelligence gathering. Furthermore, the Command has officially flagged off the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices, which targets primary, secondary and tertiary institutions aimed at combating cultism from the grassroots across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security. The Command remains proactive in curbing crime and urges members of the public to continue their lawful activities without fear. Abians are encouraged to collaborate with the Police as partners in crime prevention by reporting any suspicious persons, groups, or activities to the nearest Police Station”.