In only 24 hours into office as the new Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Sam Okaula, has recorded the arrest of 20 cult members belonging to the Black Axe Confraternity and one armed robbery suspect.

Addressing journalists today in Awka, the commissioner, who led the operation, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at Ochuche, Umudu Atani community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

He noted that the cult suspects were students of a Federal polytechnic in the state while some are unemployed youths.

In his words, “This breakthrough was made on the heels of my arrival as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, barely 24 hours ago.”

Okaula reeled out items recovered from the cult suspects to include two musical drums, one native gong, two calabash musical instruments, one expended cartridges, one live cartridge and a container of concoction.

The commissioner further said that the 35-year-old robbery suspect, Uche Ugwu (male), was arrested in possession of one berretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition when he in company of one other member of his gang, now at large were trying to rob a man of his money along Ugwunabankpa by Enugu/Onitsha Express way.

He warned criminals in the state to stay away saying that he had zero tolerance for crime and criminality.

He added: “I inherited a good record from my predecessor, Hosea Karma now AIG, zone 9. I will consolidate on that platform and the governor’s demonstrable efforts to rid the state of crime.

“I’m a crime fighter and I have zero tolerance of crime and criminality.

“Criminals in this state should know that there is a new sheriff in town and this new sheriff does not tolerate rubbish.”

While calling on criminals to leave the state immediately, Okuala said he has put his men at alert, saying that it is a fight that must be won.

“All I need is the cooperation of the people of the state by availing us with reasonable information,” he said.

•File Photo shows suspected criminals paraded by Anambra State Police Command.