The Anambra State Police Command has arrested eight suspects following a targeted raid on a location identified as a criminal hotspot in Eze-Allah, Enugwu-Ukwu, in Njikoka Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the operation in a statement on Saturday, noting that the raid was carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Unit based in Enugwu-Ukwu.
According to him, the operation was conducted on April 16 after officers received actionable intelligence about suspected criminal activities in the area.
“Acting on credible information, our operatives moved in on the identified location in the evening and successfully apprehended eight individuals linked to cult-related activities,” Ikenga said.
He added that substances believed to be cannabis, along with other illicit drugs, were recovered during the operation.
“The raid led to the recovery of various quantities of suspected cannabis sativa and other dangerous drugs. This underscores the link between drug abuse and organised criminal behaviour, particularly among youth groups involved in cultism,” he stated.
The police spokesperson identified the suspects as males aged between 18 and 44, adding that they are currently in custody undergoing screening and further investigation.
“They are being profiled, and upon the conclusion of investigations, appropriate charges will be filed in court,” Ikenga explained.
He stressed that the command remains committed to dismantling criminal networks across the state and called for stronger collaboration with residents.
“We urge members of the public to continue to support security agencies with timely and useful information. Sustained operations and community partnership are key to addressing crime effectively,” he said.
The police assured residents of ongoing efforts to maintain safety and restore public confidence in affected communities.
