The Anambra State Police Command has stepped up its campaign against cultism, drug abuse, and other criminal activities, arresting 54 suspects and recovering a large cache of hard drugs in recent operations across the state.
The arrests, which involved 39 males and 15 females, were made in separate raids carried out by operatives of the command between September 12 and 14, 2025.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command is deeply concerned about the growing moral decline among youths, particularly those aged between 18 and 26 years.
Ikenga recalled recent incidents of fake kidnappings orchestrated by young people to extort their parents, describing the trend as alarming.
In one case, a young lady and her boyfriend staged her abduction and collected ₦3 million ransom from her parents, after initially demanding ₦10 million. In another incident, a couple collected ₦1 million in a similar self-orchestrated kidnap scheme.
The command also condemned a recent cult-related shooting at a burial ceremony in Ezi-Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, which left four people dead and 15 others seriously injured.
“These disturbing developments highlight the growing menace of cultism, drug abuse, and moral decay in our society,” Ikenga stated. He added that poor parental supervision was partly to blame.
To address the situation, the command has intensified surveillance, patrols, and intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks.
On September 12, operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugwu-Ukwu, arrested a 25-year-old suspect, Chiderah Obochi, at Ifitedunu along the Old Onitsha-Awka Road. He was found in possession of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis.
Upon interrogation, Obochi confessed to being a drug courier in Umudioka Village, Dunukofia LGA, and led police to the residence of another suspect, Ginika Okeke. Although Okeke was not at home, operatives recovered 11 bags of cannabis from the premises.
The seized substances will be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and action.
In a separate operation on September 14, police raided a suspected cultist hideout at Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, arresting 53 persons comprising 38 males and 15 females.
The suspects are currently undergoing screening and profiling, with those found culpable to be prosecuted in court.
On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, the command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring Anambra remains safe for all law-abiding citizens.