Notorious cultist killed, two arrested as police burst hideout in Anambra

Praise Chinecherem

A notorious cultist has been killed while two others were arrested in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra state.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the feat was recorded on Wednesday during a raid of criminal hideout in the area.

He said two locally made pistols, one ladies machine, one expanded cartridge, charms, face mask and substance suspected to be hard drugs were recovered in the process.

He said, “On 11/1/2023 by 5 am, Police operatives acting on credible intelligence burst into a criminal hideout in Nkpor Idemili North Local Government Area. 

“The suspects, Caleb Nwankwo ‘m’ aged 22year, Katchi Nwolisa ‘m’ aged 23years, and Okechukwu Freedom ‘m’ aged unknown, sighting the police, and in an attempt to escape the scene, started shooting indiscriminately. 

“The police engaged the armed hoodlums in a gun duel, demobilize Okechukwu, and arrested the two others with gunshot wounds. 

“They all confessed to be members of Viking Confrantenity and identified the late Okechukwu as their leader. 

“The suspect also has been involved in the cult-related killings in Nkpor, Obosi, and was actively involved in the cult attack that led to the murder of Chimeile Udemba on 1/12/2022 and Ikenna Nwagbulu on 14/12/2022 all in Obosi.

“In another development, Operatives responding to distress calls on 11/1/2023 by 10:30 am along little hood estate, Obosi recovered one locally made pistol, one expanded cartridge, and one ladies’ motorcycle. 

“The suspects, sighting the police operatives abandon the recovered exhibits and took to their heels. Efforts are in top gear to arrest the assailants. 

According to Ikenga, Commissioner of Police, Echeng Echeng has ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Commanders of Tactical/Operational Units/Formations to embark on aggressive crime-prevention and visibility patrols in their areas of responsibility. 

“This plan shall enhance adequately already policing strategy put in place that is potently and dynamic to respond to any emergency, and security concerns and prevent untoward activities by criminal elements,” he added.