The police command in Akwa Ibom says it has recovered a suspected stolen Toyota Hilux vehicle with registration number NYA 399 AA.

Its spokeswoman, Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement, adding that the vehicle was reportedly stolen on Thursday.

Ms John said that while on routine patrol, operatives of the command sighted the vehicle with two men on board.

“Upon seeing the police, the suspects fled and were pursued to a non-motorable road where they abandoned the vehicle and escaped into the bush. The vehicle has been recovered and is currently undergoing investigation. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects,” she said.

Ms John further said that in a separate raid, operatives from the command apprehended a suspected cultist along Abak Road.

She said that three live cartridges were recovered from the suspect.

The police spokesperson said that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a cult group named Black Axe.

Ms John said that the suspect would remain in custody while a thorough investigation would be conducted to unmask other members of the group.

She reiterated the commitment of the police commissioner, Baba Azare, to sustain intelligence-led operations and other proactive policing strategies in the state.

The police urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons in their neighbourhood to the police for prompt action.

(NAN)