The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended an 18-year-old suspected cultist, identified as Miracle Mwakalor, and recovered an AK-47 rifle and a magazine during an anti-cultism operation in Awka South Local Government Area.
According to a statement released on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrest followed credible intelligence about a gang planning to launch an attack in the Nibo community. The suspect was arrested at the gang’s hideout in Enugu-Okwu on Friday.
“The operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad apprehended Miracle Mwakalor from Umubele village, Awka South, while his accomplices managed to escape. During interrogation, the suspect led the police to an apartment in Ubuofu, Awka, where the rifle was recovered hidden in the roof,” SP Ikenga said.
The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang and assured the public of continued efforts to combat cultism and other criminal activities in the state.
This development comes weeks after a deadly clash in Nibo and Nodu-Okpuno communities during the “Nibo Onwa Asaa Festival,” which left 13 people dead in cult-related violence.
In a related operation, the Anambra State Police Command also announced the recovery of several stolen vehicles within two weeks. SP Ikenga urged rightful owners to come forward with proof of ownership to reclaim their vehicles.
The police reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in the state.
