The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested four suspects and recovered a locally fabricated pistol, suspected hard drugs, charms and other incriminating items during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Uyo.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday, saying the operation was carried out following credible intelligence.

According to her, police operatives stormed the hideout located at Mbiabong Ikot Essien, off Oron Road in Uyo Local Council, at about 7:30 p.m. on July 26.

The property is allegedly owned by a man identified only as Imo, whose surname has yet to be established.

John said several suspects fled on sighting the police team, but four suspects, aged between 15 and 21 years, were arrested during the operation.

She explained that a search of the premises led to the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol, quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis sativa, assorted charms, plumbing materials believed to have been stolen, and several packaged clothing items suspected to be proceeds of theft.

The police spokesperson said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.

She reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, burglary, drug-related offences and other forms of criminality across the state.

John also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance crime prevention and detection.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command has arrested eight suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering firearms, live ammunition and other exhibits.

The operations, carried out by personnel of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) and the Abraka Division, are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb cult-related violence in the state.

Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement yesterday that the first operation was conducted on July 27, 2026, when the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit raided a suspected criminal hideout in Issele-Uku.

Seven suspects were arrested. They were identified as Promise Esenjor, 26, of Abavo; Wisdom Victor, 23, of Umunede; James Wisdom, 25, of Agbor; Chinedu Munonye, 22, of Issele-Uku; Onyemakonor Collins, 20, of Agbor; Unah Oluchi, 21, of Agbor; and Azomani Favour, 23, of Issele-Uku.

Edafe said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Maphite Confraternity, a cult group reportedly linked to violent criminal activities in parts of the state.

Items recovered included a double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, a cutlass, a Maphite cult beret, seven Android phones and other exhibits believed to be connected to the suspects’ activities.

He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ alleged involvement in cult-related crimes and to identify and apprehend other members of the group.

In a separate operation on the same day, officers of the Abraka Division foiled what was described as a planned gathering of suspected criminals along Omono Road in Abraka after acting on actionable intelligence.

According to the police, the suspects fled upon sighting the operatives, but one suspect, identified as Wale Morakinyo, 27, was apprehended.

A search of a bag allegedly found in his possession led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four live cartridges.

Edafe said the suspect remains in police custody, while efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the group.

Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

He appealed to residents to continue partnering with the police by providing credible and timely information that would assist security agencies in identifying criminal hideouts, apprehending criminal elements and preventing crime.