The Anambra State Police Command has intensified its fight against cultism, drug abuse, and other rising social vices, arresting 54 suspects and recovering a large cache of hard drugs in a series of coordinated raids across the state.
Speaking on the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, expressed deep concern over what he described as a growing wave of moral decay among youths, particularly those between 18 and 26 years old.
“Despite the successes we’ve recorded in the past, disturbing trends such as cult-related violence and fake kidnapping cases continue to rear their ugly heads,” Ikenga said.
Fake Kidnappings on the Rise
Ikenga recounted recent shocking incidents where young people staged their own kidnappings in a bid to extort money from their families.
In one case, a young lady colluded with her boyfriend to fake her abduction, initially demanding ₦10 million from her parents. The ransom was later negotiated down, and the unsuspecting family ended up paying ₦3 million.
Similarly, another couple pulled off a similar scheme, extorting ₦1 million from the girl’s parents.
“These incidents show the level of desperation and recklessness among some youths today,” Ikenga lamented.
Cultism has also remained a serious concern in the state.
Recently, suspected cultists opened fire at a burial ceremony in Ezi-Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, killing four people and leaving 15 others seriously injured.
The Police condemned the attack, blaming it partly on poor parental supervision and the easy availability of hard drugs, which they say embolden young people to commit violent crimes
In a renewed offensive, police operatives have been carrying out targeted raids to dismantle cult groups and drug networks.
On September 12, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu, arrested 25-year-old Chiderah Obochi during a patrol at Ifitedunu, along the Old Onitsha/Awka Road.
A search of the suspect led to the recovery of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
Upon interrogation, Obochi confessed to being a drug runner and led police to a house in Umudioka Village, Dunukofia LGA, belonging to one Ginika Okeke, who was not at home at the time of the raid.
Police recovered 11 large bags of cannabis from the property. The drugs will be handed over to the NDLEA for further action.
Acting on credible intelligence, police stormed a notorious black spot in Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, on September 14, where cultists were believed to be holding a meeting.
A total of 53 suspects were arrested — 38 men and 15 women.
The suspects are currently being screened and profiled, and those found guilty will face prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reassured residents that the Command remains committed to making Anambra safe.
“We are working tirelessly to restore sanity, protect lives and property, and ensure that law-abiding citizens can go about their daily activities without fear,” the statement read.
The Police urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to their children and wards, while also calling on communities to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.