The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity and recovered a locally made pistol and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation in Abini Community, Biase Local Government Area.
The arrests were carried out at about 5:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2, following sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said that the operation was launched after the Abini Community submitted a petition on alleged cult activities to the Commissioner of Police on July 29, prompting the Command to commence investigations and monitor suspected members of the group.
Those arrested were identified as Jester Enyi, 25; Godwill Mansala, 22; Prosper Okey, 23; Emmanuel Uno, 26; Onyebuchi Eyong, 22; Elisha Emmanuel, 27; Christian Esu, 25; Daniel Uno, 23; Nelson Ibete, 23; and Roland Uno, 18.
Police said the operation also led to the recovery of one locally made pistol, a battle axe, a dagger, a beret bearing a secret cult logo, a pair of police camouflage trousers and a mobile cardigan.
According to the Command, the suspects allegedly admitted during preliminary interrogation that they belonged to the Axe Men Confraternity.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, commended the VCRU operatives for their professionalism and effective use of intelligence in disrupting the suspected cult activities.
Ordue said the operation demonstrated the practical application of the Command’s D-C-I-I-D-D-T policing strategy, particularly intelligence-led and community policing, in identifying and tackling criminal activities before they escalate.
The Commissioner of Police urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the Police, stressing that community cooperation remains vital to effective crime prevention.
The Command said efforts have been intensified to apprehend other suspects linked to the case.
It assured the public that the arrested suspects would be subjected to due process and diligent investigation, adding that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
