Emma Elekwa
Police operatives in Anambra State have arrested four suspected cultists and recovered an abandoned vehicle in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad attached to the Obosi Sector carried out the arrest in collaboration with a vigilante group from Akuzo Nkpor.
Ikenga identified the suspects as Hampo Chidiebere (20), Chinonso Edeh (22), Chinedu Agu (21) and Abuchi Anigbogu (18).
He said the suspects allegedly terrorised Nkpor and surrounding communities, adding that police discovered blood stains inside the recovered vehicle during a thorough search.
According to him, the operation formed part of the implementation of the 2026 rigid strategic operational positioning directed by the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, to strengthen security and sustain safety across Anambra State.
Ikenga explained that in the early hours of January 25, 2025, operatives on patrol accosted a green Honda Pilot Jeep with registration number KSF 671 BG, which they found suspiciously parked in the area.
“After conducting a thorough search, the operatives observed blood stains inside the vehicle. They subsequently recovered the vehicle and commenced necessary investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
He added that later the same evening, operatives acted on credible intelligence and arrested four suspected cultists within the Nkpor community.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Barger Confraternity, a cult group allegedly terrorising Nkpor and its environs,” Ikenga stated.
He said the police had intensified efforts to arrest other members of the group and recover their operational weapons.
Ikenga reaffirmed the Anambra State Police Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, assuring residents of sustained security operations.
