The Abia State Police Command has arrested 17 suspected cultists in Aba as part of an ongoing operation to curb cult-related violence and other criminal activities in the state.
According to the police, the arrests were carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) following intelligence-led investigations into a series of violent incidents linked to rival cult groups operating within the commercial city.
The suspects, all males aged between 18 and 28 years, were reportedly apprehended at different locations, including alleged meeting points and while allegedly preparing to engage in further criminal activities.
Police authorities said the arrests are connected to investigations into recent cult-related attacks, including the killing of a young man along Brass Road on May 13 and the shooting of another victim near Opobo Junction on May 24.
Items recovered from the suspects include five locally made firearms, three rounds of live ammunition, 13 mobile phones, two cutlasses, one axe, and a black beret believed to be associated with cult activities.
The Abia State Police Command stated that investigations have been concluded and that the suspects will be charged to court for prosecution.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the command's determination to rid the state of cultism, violent crimes, and other forms of criminality. He assured residents that security agencies would continue to intensify intelligence gathering and enforcement operations to ensure public safety.
"There will be no hiding place for criminal elements in Abia State," the police commissioner stated, while urging members of the public to continue providing useful information that can assist law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security.
The latest arrests come amid growing concerns over cult-related clashes and violence in parts of the state, prompting renewed calls for youths to shun criminal groups and embrace lawful means of livelihood.
Comments
Post a Comment