Police operatives in Calabar, Cross River State, have arrested three suspected members of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as the Axe Men Confraternity, and seized a locally made pistol.

The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday morning by the State Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad during a routine patrol near 8 Miles by Technical Roundabout in Calabar.

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According to a statement signed by the PPRO, Irene Ugbo, the suspects were found in a Hyundai Elantra vehicle with registration number CAL-894-GG, carrying all three male occupants.

“Upon conducting a search, the operatives recovered a locally made pistol and two (2) live cartridges from one of the suspects, Jessy Moga, aged 20,” the statement said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects—Oshaka Joseph, 29; Jessy Moga, 20; and Joseph Odey, 29—are members of the secret cult.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being members of a secret cult and further disclosed that the firearm in their possession was handed over to them by their former leader known as Santos, who is allegedly responsible for the shooting of a university lecturer at the University of Cross River State in April 2025,” the statement added.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, has directed a discreet investigation to apprehend all individuals linked to the crime and ensure they face justice.

He also called on parents and guardians to remain vigilant, monitor the activities of their children, and report any suspicious behavior to the police or other security agencies to maintain peace in the state.

NSCDC Arrests Two Suspected Pipeline Vandals in Imo

The Imo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended two individuals suspected of vandalizing petroleum pipelines in the state.

State Commandant Mr. Basil Igwebueze announced the arrests on Wednesday in Owerri, the state capital, revealing that the suspects were apprehended in the Awarra area of Ohaji-Egbema Local Government Area on August 17.