The Cross River State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity and recovered a locally made pistol and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation in Abini community, Biase Local Government Area of the state.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Sector 2, following sustained intelligence gathering, surveillance and operational follow-up.
Confirming the incident, the Cross River State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Sunday Eitokpah, said in a statement issued to journalists in Calabar on Saturday that the operation followed a petition submitted by the Abini community to the Commissioner of Police on July 29, 2026, over suspected cult activities.
The statement read, “The Cross River State Police Command has arrested ten (10) suspected members of the Axe Men Confraternity and recovered a locally made pistol and other exhibits following sustained operational follow-up, tactical intelligence and detailed surveillance by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Sector 2.”
According to the statement, “The petition prompted the Command to commence detailed intelligence gathering and surveillance aimed at identifying individuals allegedly involved in cult-related activities in the community.
