Anambra Police Thwart Cult Initiation in Anambra as Six Arrested with Weapons, Charms, and Drugs

A covert police operation has disrupted an alleged cult initiation ritual in Nawfia, a quiet community nestled in the Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. The raid, which took place on the morning of Saturday, June 15, 2025, led to the arrest of six young men suspected to be members of a cult group, alongside the confiscation of weapons, narcotics, and ritual paraphernalia.

Acting on intelligence reports, operatives of the Anambra State Police Command swiftly mobilized and stormed the secluded venue around 9:30 a.m., halting the ceremony before it could commence. The precision and timing of the intervention underscored the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing, a strategy that the Command says it continues to embrace to combat the growing menace of cultism in the region.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Nwadike Chibuike, Anierobi Precious, Raphael Ebube, Ezechi Benjamin, Okafor Chidera, and Chiema Okoye. All suspects are male and fall within the 20 to 30-year age bracket, a demographic that law enforcement officials say is increasingly being targeted for recruitment by secret cult groups.

A detailed inventory of items recovered at the scene paints a grim picture of what might have unfolded had the ceremony not been disrupted. Among the seized materials were a Jojef pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, and a gold-coloured Lexus SUV bearing the license plate ATN 202 AE. Authorities also confiscated two cutlasses, two pairs of scissors, various charms, substances believed to be illicit drugs, and a cap branded with the insignia of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity—one of the most notorious secret cult groups in Nigeria.

SP Tochukwu Ikenga, spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, issued a press statement confirming the incident. He revealed that the suspects are currently undergoing intense interrogation at police custody. "They will be arraigned in court as soon as our investigations are concluded," Ikenga stated, adding that the Command remains resolute in its mission to rid the state of cult-related activities and other violent crimes.

Beyond the foiled initiation, police authorities expressed concern over the broader implications of cultism in society. According to SP Ikenga, these clandestine groups are not just engaging in rituals and initiations but are often linked to heinous crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder. "Cultism is a breeding ground for multiple layers of violent crime. What may start as an initiation could escalate into criminal networks that disrupt the peace and security of our communities," he warned.

Community members have been urged to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting suspicious activities. The police called on the public to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely, actionable information that can prevent criminal incidents before they occur. The appeal highlights the critical role local communities play in complementing the efforts of law enforcement through intelligence sharing and civic responsibility.

The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, affirming that operations like the one in Nawfia would continue to be intensified. SP Ikenga emphasized that the Police would not rest until cult networks and their influence are completely dismantled across Anambra.

Residents of Nawfia and surrounding areas have reacted with a mix of relief and alarm. While many commend the police for their swift response and professionalism, others are disturbed by the realization that such an event could have taken place so close to home. Local leaders and youth advocates have called for increased awareness campaigns and mentorship programs to steer vulnerable youths away from the lure of cultism and violence.

The thwarted initiation ceremony serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle between law enforcement and underground cult operations. As investigations progress and the suspects prepare to face prosecution, authorities hope the incident sends a strong warning to others who may be contemplating involvement in such illicit activities.

This operation represents a significant victory for the Anambra State Police Command, showcasing not only their capacity to gather and act on critical intelligence but also their commitment to ensuring that communities remain safe from the threats posed by cultism and related crimes.