By Fresh Facts Magazine Staff Writer –
The Anambra State Police Command has stepped up its offensive against cultism, drug abuse, and other troubling social vices, with recent operations leading to the arrest of 54 suspects and the recovery of a large cache of illicit drugs across the state.
In a press briefing at Awka, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the suspects – 39 males and 15 females – were arrested during separate raid operations targeting black spots, drug hideouts, and areas notorious for cult-related gatherings.
The Command expressed worry over the rising cases of moral decadence, particularly among youths between 18 and 26 years, noting that cultism and staged kidnapping incidents remain a growing menace in the state.
Fake Kidnap Incidents on the Rise
Ikenga recalled recent disturbing cases where young people staged their own kidnappings to extort money from their parents. In one instance, a young lady conspired with her boyfriend to demand ₦10 million from her family, eventually extorting ₦3 million. In another, a couple collected ₦1 million after orchestrating a fake abduction and reducing their demand from ₦10 million to ₦3 million.
“These incidents, coupled with cult-related attacks like the Ezi-Ogidi burial shooting that left four people dead and fifteen others injured, are stark reminders of the dangers of this trend,” the PPRO stated.
Drug Raids and Arrests
Highlighting recent breakthroughs, Ikenga revealed that operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu, arrested 25-year-old Chiderah Obochi at Ifitedunu along Old Onitsha–Awka Road during a patrol on September 12. A search revealed quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Upon interrogation, Obochi confessed to being a drug runner in Umudioka Village, Dunukofia LGA, and led police operatives to the residence of one Ginika Okeke. Though Okeke was not found at home, officers recovered 11 bags of cannabis sativa from the premises.
The recovered substances, Ikenga confirmed, will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action, while investigations to identify other drug suppliers are ongoing.
Ogidi Black Spot Raid
In another operation on September 14, police operatives stormed a notorious black spot in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, where cultists reportedly converged to plan their activities. A total of 53 suspects (38 males and 15 females) were arrested during the raid.
The suspects are currently undergoing profiling, with those found culpable expected to face charges in court.
Police Reassurance to Ndi Anambra
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to safeguard lives and property, stressing that both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies – including intelligence-led raids, surveillance, and engagement with communities – remain central to ongoing operations.
“We condemn these acts in the strongest terms. Cultism, drug abuse, and fake kidnappings are unacceptable and undermine the safety of society. The Command is fully committed to restoring sanity and ensuring Anambra remains safe for all law-abiding residents,” CP Orutugu reassured through the PPRO.
With security operations intensifying, the Command also urged parents and guardians to take their responsibilities seriously by monitoring and guiding their children to steer clear of cultism and drug abuse.
