Police Arrest 20 Suspected Cultists, Drug Dealers, Recover 22 Motorcycles, Tricycles

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 20 suspected cultists and drug traffickers in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering hard drugs, 22 motorcycles, a tricycle, offensive weapons, and other incriminating exhibits.

The operations, carried out between July 7 and July 14, 2026, targeted cultism, illicit drug trafficking, and other violent crimes in different parts of Enugu State.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Sub-Unit of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) stormed Banana Estate, Independence Layout, on July 14 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists.

The operation led to the arrest of Ogbodo Chebe, 40, described as a suspected member of the Abashie Confraternity and an alleged youth leader, alongside Oguma Onyebuchi, 27. Police said quantities of a substance suspected to be “Colos” were recovered from the suspects, while other suspects fled the scene, abandoning eight motorcycles and a tricycle, which were seized.

In another operation on July 7, officers raided identified criminal hideouts in the Emene and Eke Obinagu areas of Enugu, arresting six suspects identified as Mba James Chinonso, 35; Ani Nonso, 31; Ike Nnana, 27; Chiagozie Nnamani Isaac, 19; Ede Onyenaturuchi, 21; and Ozoemena Michael, 28.

Police said the suspects were found with large quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, methamphetamine, locally known as “Mkpụrụ-mmiri,” and wraps of suspected cocaine. The raid was said to have disrupted criminal activities in the affected areas.

Also on July 7, at about midnight, operatives disrupted an alleged public celebration marking the “7/7 anniversary” of the Black Axe (Aye) Confraternity at Owerre Eze-Oba community in Udenu Local Government Area after receiving intelligence that the gathering had caused panic among residents.

Twelve suspects were arrested during the operation, namely Obinna Odo, 22; Kenechi Odo, 39; Mba Ikenna, 37; Ugwuoke Peter, 27; Odo Ejike, 35; Ugwuanyi Chinedu, 28; Chinaza Kingsley, 20; Ebubechukwu Stanley, 21; Eze Chigekwu, 26; Arua Ekene, 21; Eze Ikenna, 38; and Odo Jude, 34.

Items recovered at the scene included one axe, a set of drum instruments, and 14 motorcycles.

The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing suspects, establish the full extent of the criminal activities of those arrested, and recover additional exhibits. The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing in tackling cultism, illicit drug trafficking, and other violent crimes.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance public safety and security across the state.