Police nab 14 suspected cultists in Imo, recover arms, ammunition

Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have arrested 14 suspected members of the outlawed black-axe confraternity. The operatives also recovered some arms and ammunition from them, during the process of their initiation at a hideout in Irete, Owerri West Local Council of the state.

According to police source, items recovered by the operatives while on “routine confidence-building patrol,” included, one locally made single barrel pistol, two rounds of live cartridges, and other incriminating items.

Spokesperson for the Command, ASP Henry Okoye, in a statement, said the operation was successfully carried out sequel to an “intelligence -led raid.” He said: “Imo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Aboki Danjuma, has recorded another significant breakthrough in the onslaught against cultism and other vices in the State.

“This is evident in the arrest of 14 suspected members of the Black-Axe confraternity on Monday, May 6, while they were carrying out cultism related activities.

“The arrest of the suspects was sequel to an intelligence-led raid on a suspected criminal hideout at Irete in Owerri West Local Council of Imo State, by operatives of the Command on routine confidence-building patrol.

Okoye said the suspects are currently in Police custody where a thorough investigation has been initiated to arrest other members of the gang, the manufacturer and dealers of the locally made gun. He maintained that they would be arraigned in court after carrying out the investigation.

He continued: “Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has assured the residents of Imo State that the Command will not relent in its commitment to crackdown on cultism and other vices.

“He advised parents and guardians to caution their wards against indulging in cultism and other criminal acts.”