In a major pre-election security operation, a joint team of operatives from the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS), Enugu-Ukwu, and the Agunechemba Vigilante Group has arrested seven suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity allegedly undergoing initiation and training for political thuggery ahead of the November 8, 2025 Anambra Governorship Election.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Saturday, October 26, 2025, took place in a forest at Obinagu, Abagana, Njikoka Local Government Area. The suspects, all males, were apprehended while performing initiation rituals in preparation for their alleged involvement in election-related violence.
According to a statement by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command, items recovered from the scene include a 25-litre keg containing a red liquid substance, a red ritual cloth, two wooden drums, and several pairs of footwear belonging to the suspects and their fleeing accomplices.
The arrested suspects have been identified as: Ugorji Emmanuel, 29 years, Ogamba Chinuike Anthony, 22 years, Chibuzor Agudiegu, 25 years, Destiny Okasi, 22 years, Udewulu Nzube, 19 years, Ifeanyi Anikpe, 21 years and Sunday Akuma, 20 years.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the cult group’s initiation activities were part of a wider plan to recruit and train members for use as political thugs in Njikoka and Anaocha LGAs during the upcoming governorship election.
SP Ikenga revealed that upon sighting the operatives, the suspects attempted to flee the scene but were swiftly overpowered and arrested. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate who managed to escape and to uncover other connected cult cells operating within the area.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, commended the successful operation and reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and order before, during, and after the election.
“The Command will not tolerate any activity capable of jeopardizing the peaceful conduct of the forthcoming governorship election,” CP Orutugu stated.
“We urge parents, community leaders, and youth groups to intensify moral guidance and discourage young people from engaging in cultism or political violence.”
The Commissioner further called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or movements to the nearest police formation, stressing that credible intelligence from citizens remains vital in combating cultism and ensuring public safety.