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Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi
Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi
By: Zagazola Makama
For weeks, residents of Umuasi Ngwo in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State lived with an uneasy silence. Whispers of cult-related violence, extortion, and intimidation crept through the community like a shadow.
But in the early hours of July 21, a breakthrough by the Anti-Cultism Squad of the Enugu State Police Command brought a glimmer of hope.
It all began with the confession of a 31-year-old cult suspect, Ikemefuna Ani, popularly known as “Majority,” who was already in custody and undergoing investigation for cult-related offenses.
According to sources within the Anti-Cultism Unit, Ani’s detailed statement cracked open what had long been a closely guarded network. Acting on his revelations, the Officer in Charge of the squad led a pre-dawn operation to Umuasi Ngwo at about 4:30 a.m.
The result was the arrest of three notorious cultists: Stephen Chidiebere Ugwu (alias “Shaggy”), aged 42; Arinze Udeh (alias “Anonymous”), aged 30; and Onuigbo Kingsley, all residents of the area and self-confessed members of the Black Axe confraternity.
Their arrest marks a significant milestone in Enugu’s ongoing efforts to rid its communities of cult-related violence and criminality.
One locally fabricated cut-to-size double-barrel gun was recovered during the raid, further strengthening suspicions that the cultists were involved in activities far beyond mere fraternity.
“These are not just men hanging out in secret corners. They’re part of a dangerous network that has, for too long, threatened the peace and safety of our people,” said a senior officer involved in the operation.
The suspects, now in police custody, reportedly confessed to longstanding involvement in cult activities ranging from intimidation of residents to violent clashes with rival groups. Some community members who spoke to NAN under anonymity said the suspects had long been feared figures in the neighbourhood.
“People avoided them. We knew they were up to no good, but fear kept everyone quiet,” said a youth leader in Umuasi Ngwo.
The Police Command says discreet investigations are ongoing and that more arrests may follow as operatives continue to unravel the network’s operations across the state.
Police sources have reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism, urging citizens to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
“We are taking proactive steps. Anyone involved in cultism should know there’s no hiding place. Communities are safer when the people support our work with information,” he said.
This latest development adds to the growing list of successful operations by Enugu’s Anti-Cultism Squad, which has intensified its crackdown on secret cults in both urban and rural areas.
For the people of Umuasi Ngwo, the arrests bring a renewed sense of security. But as investigations continue, residents hope the momentum won’t stop with these three.
“There are more of them out there,” said one elderly resident. “We just pray the police won’t stop until they clean up everything.”
Inside Enugu’s anti-cultism crackdown: how one suspect’s confession led to the arrest of three cultists in Udi
Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has continued his tour of southern Borno following recent attacks in parts of Gwoza and Askira-Uba Local Government Areas. The Governor spent the night in Uba and paid condolence visits to affected communities in Warebe and Uba.
During the visit, Zulum acknowledged and commended the efforts of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters for their unwavering commitment to protecting their communities despite ongoing security challenges.
The Governor also inspected the ongoing construction of the Uba General Hospital and the Emir’s Palace, where he expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and encouraged the contractor to maintain the standard. He further directed the Ministry of Health to conclude arrangements for deploying doctors and nurses ahead of the hospital’s completion.
Similarly, Zulum visited Lassa General Hospital, several schools, and Uvu community area in Askira-Uba, where he assessed ongoing projects and assured residents of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare, education, and community security.
Additionally, the Governor approved the rehabilitation of Central Secondary School, Uba, as part of efforts to strengthen education infrastructure in the region.
Southern Borno: Zulum Spends Night in Uba, Condoles Communities in Warebe and Uba
Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum has said that he has spent about N100b cumulatively in 2025 to improve security in the state.
He made the revelation recently when
visited the Emir of Uba Ali Ibn Mamza at his Palace.
The Governor noted that the visit aims at assessing the current security situation in Askira/Uba council area of the state and its environs and preparing to step up where there are obvious challenges in the security architecture.
The Governor however acknowledged that he is aware that the lingering insecurity situation actually scares road contractors who have been hired to construct road networks in and around the communities.
He nonetheless assured the Monarch and residents of more road constructions in the near future with a proposal for the establishment of a tertiary institution a computer training institution and more.
” I am on a tour most especially to asses the security situation in this area of the state. I will meet with the security agents to make sure we have greater input in the security in Askira/Uba.
” Security is important without it, peace cannot be guaranteed. I have plans to construct roads but the problem is no contractor will want to come down here and work.
“That’s why I will be establishing a quarry in Gworza which will be backed by the purchase of 100 trucks so that our road maintenance agency can construct roads easily.
“On higher institution I assure you, i will build a higher institution before I leave office. I will also build a Computer Institute, Jamb training center and a tertiary institution in Uba. We have a lot of plans for education, health and more. We spent a lot to make we put structures on ground”.
Responding the Emir of Uba Alhaji Ali Ibn Samaila (ii) said “You’ve done a lot for us with many projects. If not for you we will be suffering.
“If the Constitution was amenable we would want you to continue with the good works. May God bless you”.
Tragedy struck the council area recently when about 13 female farmers were abducted in Askira Uba. While residents lamented their plight, one escaped back home leaving 12 others in the Sambisa who were later rescued by hunters.
Insecurity gulps over N100b in Borno state
Cross River: Army foils abduction, rescues victims from suspected sea pirates
By: Zagazola Makama
Four passengers abducted by suspected sea pirates on the waterways between Nigeria and Cameroon have been rescued unharmed by the Nigerian Army, security sources confirmed.
The incident occurred on 2 December 2025 when Ebuka Clinton, Alice David Albino, Usin Divine, and another passenger boarded a commercial speed boat from Ikang Beach, Bakassi, to Isanghele Fishing Pond in Cameroon.
They were intercepted and taken hostage by suspected sea pirates to an unknown location on the waterways.
On spotting a Nigerian Army patrol boat, the assailants fired sporadically and abandoned the victims in their attempt to escape to the Cameroonian creeks using another speed boat.
One of the victims, Blessing Bassey Edem of Ikang, sustained a bullet injury on her right buttock. She and the other passengers were later rescued and conveyed to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for treatment, where they are reported to be responding to medical attention.
Authorities are monitoring the waterways to prevent further abduction attempts.
Cross River: Army foils abduction, rescues victims from suspected sea pirates
ActionAid: 45% women in Nigeria experience cyberstalking
Residents urged to take up employment in the Lassa General Hospital
VP Shettima: Traditional institutions Remain Irreplaceable, Will Be Preserved Under President Tinubu
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