The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested three individuals suspected of being armed robbers and cultists, allegedly responsible for terrorizing communities along the Calabar-Itu road, and recovered firearms during the operation.
In a statement released on Saturday, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, provided further details of the police action.
“Following credible intelligence regarding an impending cult clash along the Calabar-Itu Road, the command swiftly deployed intelligence and surveillance teams to preempt any violence,” the statement read.
The report indicated that intelligence had revealed two notorious gang leaders, who had been terrorizing the area, were staying at a guest house in Ntak Inyang.
“On May 1, at approximately 0500 hours, surveillance teams, acting on precise information, raided the identified hideout,” the statement continued.
The operation led to the arrest of two male suspects: “Joseph Edet of Akon Itam and Ekon Isaiah of Ibiaku Uruan, who were confirmed to be members of the Kuklux Klan secret cult.”
“A female companion, Esther Otobong Edem, was also apprehended at the scene of the raid,” the PPRO added.
During the operation, the police recovered a locally made pistol, a battle axe, and a hammer.
“Additional items seized included a bottle with a liquid substance suspected to be a charm, two flashlights, two mobile phones, and a black bag filled with various items,” John stated.
The police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be taken to court once the process is concluded.