The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its campaign against cultism, drug abuse and other rising social vices with the arrest of 54 suspects and the recovery of a large quantity of hard drugs during separate operations across the state.
The arrests, which comprised 39 males and 15 females, followed coordinated raids by operatives in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, and Ifitedunu, in Dunukofia LGA.
Police authorities say the operations were in line with renewed strategies aimed at restoring sanity in the state and curbing the growing menace of crime among young people.
At a press briefing on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga expressed concern over what he described as moral decay among youths, especially those between 18 and 26 years.
Despite past successes, Ikenga noted, disturbing trends such as cultism and fake kidnappings have continued to surface.
He recalled recent cases in which young lovers staged their own abductions to extort money from their parents.
In one incident, a girl and her boyfriend connived to extract N3 million after initially demanding N10 million from her family.
In another case, a couple staged a similar plot, collecting N1 million from the girl’s parents.
According to the police, these acts not only undermine community safety but also reflect a troubling decline in parental guidance and supervision.
The Command also condemned the violent cult-related attack during a burial at Ezi-Ogidi, Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, in which four people were shot dead and 15 others sustained gunshot wounds.
The incident, it said, underscores the urgency of operations against cult groups.
On September 12, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad, SPACS, Enugwu-Ukwu, arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Chiderah Obochi, along the Old Onitsha–Awka Road.
A search revealed dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp in his possession.
According to Ikenga, under interrogation, Obochi admitted to being a drug runner and led police to a residence in Umudioka village, where 11 bags of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa were recovered.
Ikenga said, “The exhibits will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.
“Two days later, on September 14, police stormed a black spot in Ogidi following intelligence reports that cultists routinely gathered there.
“The operation led to the arrest of 53 suspects, comprising 38 males and 15 females. They are currently undergoing screening and profiling, after which those found culpable will face charges in court.”
On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, Ikenga assured residents of the police’s unwavering resolve to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, including intensified surveillance, patrols, intelligence gathering and community engagement, to keep the state safe.
The Command, Ikenga said, remains committed to protecting lives and property, restoring sanity, and ensuring Anambra remains safe for all law-abiding residents.
