Anambra Police stepped up action against cultism, drug abuse and fake kidnappings among youths statewide.
Officials announced fresh raids, arrests and stronger patrols to restore order and keep communities safe.
The Anambra State Police Command says it is stepping up efforts to curb the rising cases of cultism, drug abuse and related crimes, especially among youths aged 18 to 26. Despite earlier successes, new incidents of fake kidnappings and cult-related attacks have continued to emerge in parts of the state.
Police officials recalled how a young woman and her partner recently staged her abduction to demand ₦10 million from her parents but settled for ₦3 million after negotiations. In a similar case, another couple arranged a fake kidnap and secured ₦1 million from the girl’s parents.
The Command also linked drug abuse to violent crimes, citing the recent shooting at a burial in Ezi-Ogidi, Idemili North, where four people lost their lives and 15 sustained injuries during an attack believed to be cult-related. Officials attributed the trend partly to weak parental supervision and poor guidance for young people.
According to the police, surveillance patrols and intelligence-driven operations have been increased. Both “hard” and “soft” measures are being used such as inviting suspected cultists for questioning and targeting drug dens for raids to disrupt criminal networks.
One recent operation by the Special Anti-Cult Squad in Enugwu-Ukwu led to the arrest of 25-year-old Chiderah Obochi at Ifitedunu, along Old Onitsha–Awka Road. He was found with dried leaves believed to be cannabis and allegedly confessed to running drugs in Umudioka, Dunukofia LGA. Police officers later discovered 11 bags of the same substance in a house linked to another suspect.
The Command said the seized drugs will be transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action and vowed to continue tracing and arresting suppliers of illicit substances.
In another raid on September 14, 2025, police stormed a suspected cultist hideout at Ogidi, Idemili North, arresting 53 people 38 men and 15 women. Screening and profiling are ongoing, and those found culpable will be prosecuted.
Speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police Ikioye Orutugu, Police Public Relations Officer Tochukwu Ikenga reassured residents that the Command is fully committed to restoring law and order, safeguarding lives and property, and ensuring Anambra remains safe for all law-abiding citizens.
