Full List: Police Arrest Ten Suspected Cultists in Anambra, Recover Firearm

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested ten suspected cultists and recovered a firearm with live ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area.

Operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS), Enugu-Ukwu, acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of Thursday, September 18, 2025, stormed the residence of 23-year-old Ndefoh Chijoke, identified as a strong member of the Aye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of an Ontario CA American-made pistol with one live round of ammunition.

Further information obtained during the operation resulted in the arrest of nine additional suspects: Obuh Onyedika (27), Obuh Confidence (19), Mbanusi Nnaemeka (22), Godwin Udebeh (31), Chizoba Onuake (19), Ohazunike Martins (23), Ndife Chidorie (23), Nwosu Chinecherem (22), and Caleb Nwafor (26).

The suspects are currently undergoing screening and profiling, with those found culpable expected to be charged in court.

Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the swift response of the operatives and reiterated the Command’s commitment to aggressive raids, intelligence-driven policing, and community collaboration to curb cultism, illegal firearms, and violent crime in the state.

Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said investigations are ongoing and assured the public that further updates will be provided. He added that calm has been maintained in other parts of the state as counter-terrorism and crime prevention operations continue.