Anti-cult operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested two notorious cult leaders of the Black Axe Confraternity during their initiation rituals for new adherents in Uyo, the State capital.

Disclosing this to journalists at the Command headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, stated the busting of the cult gang followed a controlled intelligence-led operation.

She said: “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested two suspected members of the Black Axe Confraternity during an intelligence-led operation in Uyo.

“The arrest was made on Sunday, February 2026, at about 4:30 p.m., following credible intelligence that a group of suspected cultists were conducting initiation activities at one Secondary School, along Oron Road (name withheld).

“Upon arrival at the scene, the suspects fled on sighting the patrol team, abandoning a red mini-bus with registration number NYA-164XA. After a hot chase, two suspects, Anietie Isaac and Unyime Effiong, all males, were apprehended.”

She listed incriminating items recovered at the scene to include; one axe, one brown calabash, one bottle of Lord’s alcoholic drink, different types of incense, coloured handkerchiefs and one Neo Black Axe (Neo Lord’s Movement of Africa) sticker.

The suspects and exhibits, she maintained, are currently in Police custody and undergoing thorough investigation.

The commissioner of police, CP Baba Azare, according to her, has reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism and related crimes and assured the public that sustained efforts would continue in order to rid the State of criminal elements.

Members of the public were encouraged to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information. (LEADERSHIP)