During the operation, three suspects identified as Dick Udofia, Emem Charles and Ubong Matthew were arrested
By James Akan
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Published on July 7, 2026
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2 min read
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cultism, illicit drug activities and vandalism, leading to the arrest of three suspected cult members and a suspected cable vandal in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Command said operatives raided a residential building off Abak Road in Uyo identified as a hideout for cult activities and drug abuse.
During the operation, three suspects identified as Dick Udofia, Emem Charles and Ubong Matthew were arrested. Police recovered substances suspected to be methamphetamine (commonly known as Ice), cannabis (Indian hemp) and other items linked to drug consumption.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly admitted to being members of the Vikings Confraternity. Police further disclosed that one of the suspects, Ubong Matthew, was allegedly forcefully initiated into the cult group on July 5, 2026, during a ceremony reportedly organised by Dick Udofia at the same location.
The Command added that the suspects, who are students of a polytechnic whose identity was withheld, are assisting investigators, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
In a separate operation, police arrested 32-year-old Joshua Akpan, a security guard employed by a private security company, over his alleged involvement in vandalising and stealing armoured electrical cables and other electrical installations.
According to the police, the arrest followed actionable intelligence linking the suspect to a syndicate specialising in the theft of electrical infrastructure from churches, residential buildings, factories and government facilities.
A search of the suspect’s residence, carried out under a valid search warrant, led to the recovery of cut-to-size armoured cables, bundles of vandalised electrical wires, pliers, an iron-cutting blade, a hammer and other tools believed to have been used in carrying out the crimes.
Police said the suspect confessed during interrogation to vandalising and stealing electrical cables from a Catholic Cathedral where he was employed as a security guard. Investigations are continuing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover more stolen property.
Commending the professionalism and swift response of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks, combating cultism and drug-related crimes, and protecting critical public infrastructure.
He warned those involved in cultism, drug trafficking, vandalism and other criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law, assuring residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven policing strategies to ensure the safety and security of lives and property.
The Commissioner also urged residents to support the Police with timely and credible information, assuring them that all useful intelligence would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly.
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