By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of ten suspected cultists in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area, as its renewed crackdown on violent crimes and cult-related activities intensifies across the state.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrests were carried out by operatives attached to the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu, who stormed the residence of one Ndefoh Chijoke, 23, in Ogbunike, following credible intelligence.
According to the statement, Chijoke, a suspected strong member of the notorious Aye Confraternity (Black Axe), was sighted in the company of other suspected cultists when the security team moved in. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of an Ontario CA American-made pistol with one live round of ammunition.
“Further investigation and follow-up on information obtained from the suspect led to the arrest of nine other suspects,” the Command said. Those arrested include: Obuh Onyedika (27), Obuh Confidence (19), Mbanusi Nnaemeka (22), Godwin Udebeh (31), Chizoba Onuake (19), Ohazunike Martins (23), Ndife Chidozie (23), Nwosu Chinecherem (22), and Caleb Nwafor (26).
The suspects, now in custody, are undergoing screening and profiling, after which those found culpable will be charged to court.
Commending the swift and coordinated action of the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive raids, intelligence-led operations, and community collaboration aimed at stamping out cultism, firearms proliferation, and violent crimes from the state.
He further reassured residents that normalcy has been maintained across Anambra and that counter-terrorism and crime prevention operations will continue to ensure peace and security.
