The Anambra State police command has arrested a suspected political thug and notorious cultist, 29, in possession of firearms and other incriminating items in Enugu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of the State

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Awka.

Mr Ikenga said that the arrest was made during an operation as part of efforts by the police to ensure peaceful and credible governorship election in the state on November 8.

He said, “In a sustained effort to ensure a peaceful and credible governorship election in Anambra State, the police command has arrested a notorious suspected cultist and political thug.

“The team also recovered two pump action guns, two English made double-barrel guns, three live cartridges, red cloth and regalia bearing cult insignia and three black caps as well as two red caps with inscriptions associated with Vikings Confraternity.”

Mr Ikenga said that the arrest was made on October 24, following an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) Enugu-Ukwu.

The police spokesman said that during interrogation the suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and also linked himself to activities involving political thuggery.

He said following the suspect’s confession, in the early hours of October 26, he led SPACS operatives to their armoury at Omor, where the above exhibits were recovered.

The PPRO said that further investigations aimed at tracking and apprehending other gang members and associates mentioned by the suspect were ongoing.

Mr Ikenga quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, as reaffirming that the command would not allow cult groups, armed gangs, or political thugs to threaten the peace and electoral stability of the state.

Mr Orutugu urged parents, community leaders and youth groups to discourage young people from being recruited into cult-related activities, assuring residents of enhanced security deployment across the 21 Local Government Areas in the state. 

(NAN)