The police command in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested four suspects and recovered some stolen items from them.

In a statement kn Wednesday, the state police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said two of the suspects arrested had allegedly confessed to being members of a cult group known as Vikings, while the other two were arrested for theft.

She added that a manhunt has been launched to track down other members of the group still at large.

“On Sunday, July 14, at about 9:20 p.m., following credible intelligence from concerned residents, a discreet operation was carried out by the state command in Ikot Ambon village, near Uyo, where two suspected cultists were arrested.

“Items recovered from the suspects at the scene include: one locally made double-barrel gun, two live cartridges and a wrap of substance suspected to be Indian hemp, among others,” Ms John said.

Meanwhile, the command’s spokesperson added that on Tuesday, July 15, at about 6:50am, operatives arrested a male suspect from Nsit Ubium Local Government Area in connection with the theft of a vehicle.

She said the arrest followed a complaint that a Mercedes-Benz truck marked UWN 84 XD was stolen.

According to her, the vehicle was recovered and impounded through targeted investigation.

She added that on the same date, the command responded to a distress call at Itiam Bus Stop, along Oron Road in Uyo, and arrested one suspect for allegedly stealing a split-unit air conditioner.

The PPRO said all suspects would be charged to court when the investigation is concluded.

Ms John assured the public of the command’s readiness to respond promptly to any breach of peace.

She urged the residents to report suspicious movements or persons around their environment to the police for prompt action.

(NAN)