From Isaac Ojo Awka
Operatives of Anambra State Police command have arrested fifty three suspected cultists during different operations .
The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO) for the command, Tochukwu Ikenga (SP) revealed this in a press statement.
Ikenga said that operatives in the late hours of 14th September, 2025 raided a black spot at Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, following credible intelligence that cultists routinely gathered at the location to perfect plans for their nefarious activities.
“During the operation, 53 (Fifty-three) suspects were arrested, comprising 38 (Thirty-eight) male and 15 (Fifteen) female. The suspects are currently undergoing screening and profiling, after which those found culpable will be prosecuted,” he said.
The Command has however expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of moral decay in the society, particularly among the youth in the age bracket of 18 to 26 years.
The PPRO pointed out that despite successes recorded in the past, disturbing trends such as cultism and fake kidnapping incidents continue to surface.
“The Command has strategized further by adopting both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. These include inviting individuals suspected to be associated with cult groups for questioning, as well as conducting targeted raids on drug hideouts.
“Given the above, Operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu on 12th September 2025 while on aggressive manhunt/patrol for cultists arrested one male suspect Chiderah Obochi, aged 25 at Ifitedunu, along the Old Onitsha/Awka Road.
“The suspect who was on a motorcycle, was searched and some quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were recovered from him.
“Upon interrogation, he confessed to being a drug runner in Umudioka Village, Dunukofia LGA. He thereafter led the team to the house of the one Ginika Okeke in Umudioka Village, but the suspect was not met at home.
“However, 11 (Eleven) bags containing a very large quantity of dried leaves suspected to be Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) were recovered from the house.
“The recovered hard substances will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further necessary action…..”he said .
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu(CP) has reassured the people of the State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to restoring sanity, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that the State remains safe for all law-abiding residents.
