The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested 40 persons suspected to be involved in armed robbery and cultism activities within Uyo metropolis.

Police spokesman, Odiko Macdon, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo and made available to reporters on Friday.

Mr. Macdon said that based on intelligence information the tactical team of the command stormed criminal hideouts in Uyo on December 10, and arrested the suspects.

“(Some) 40 suspected armed robbers/cultists were arrested; two locally-made pistols, five cutlasses, a bag of substance suspected to be Indian Hemp were among the exhibits recovered.

“On interrogation, suspects claimed to be part of the cult groups responsible for cult-related murder and robberies within Uyo metropolis recently,” Mr. Macdon said.

The spokesman added that a discreet investigation was ongoing to determine the extent of their culpability and that they would be charged to court immediately after investigations.

He said the command under the leadership of CP Andrew Amiengheme had zero tolerance for criminality in any part of the state.

He said that it would continue to do all, within its powers, to sustain the peaceful atmosphere of the state, especially during yuletide season.

He urged residents to support the police by giving timely and adequate information that could help check crime rate in the state.