Anambra police foil cult initiation ceremony in swift operation, arrest six suspects

In a decisive crackdown on cult-related activities, the Anambra State Police Command has successfully disrupted a cult initiation ceremony in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state.

The operation, which took place on the morning of Saturday, June 15, 2025, led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of dangerous weapons, charms, and a Lexus SUV believed to have been used by the gang.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the operation was carried out following credible intelligence received by the command. Officers swiftly moved in around 9:30 a.m., catching the suspects in the middle of the initiation ritual.

Among the items recovered from the scene were one Jojef pump-action gun, two live cartridges, two cutlasses, a golden-coloured Lexus SUV with registration number ATN 202 AE, charms, a cap bearing the Supreme Vikings confraternity insignia, a pair of scissors, some hard substances, and other incriminating items.

The suspects were identified as Nwadike Chibuike, Anierobi Precious, Raphael Ebube, Ezechi Benjamin, Okafor Chidera, and Chiema Okoye. SP Ikenga confirmed that the arrested individuals are currently undergoing interrogation to uncover further details about their activities before being formally charged to court.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to fighting cultism and other related crimes, warning that security agencies will not relent in their efforts to rid the state of criminal gangs and their harmful practices.