The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity during an operation in Abini Community, Biase Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2, following intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational follow-up.

The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued to journalists in Calabar on Saturday, August 23.

He said the operation followed a petition submitted by the Abini community to the Commissioner of Police on July 29, 2026, raising concerns over suspected cult-related activities in the area.

The suspects were identified as Jester Enyi, 25; Godwill Mansala, 22; Prosper Okey, 23; Emmanuel Uno, 26; Onyebuchi Eyong, 22; Elisha Emmanuel, 27; Christian Esu, 25; Daniel Uno, 23; Nelson Ibete, 23; and Roland Uno, 18.

Police said the suspects were arrested at about 5:15 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, after operatives moved into the community as part of the intelligence-led operation.

Items recovered during the operation included a locally made pistol, battle axe, dagger, a beret bearing a secret cult logo, a pair of police camouflage trousers and a mobile cardigan.

According to the police, the suspects allegedly admitted during preliminary interrogation to being members of the Axe Men Confraternity.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, commended the VCRU operatives for their professionalism and effective use of intelligence.

He said the operation demonstrated the Command’s intelligence-led and community policing approach to identifying and disrupting criminal activities before they escalate.

Ordue also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the police, stressing that cooperation between the community and security agencies remains essential to preventing crime and protecting public safety.