Police in Imo State have arrested a 19-year-old man suspected of belonging to the Black Axe cult group. Officers attached to Nekede Division recovered a locally made pistol from him.
The arrest came after vigilante leaders reported an attempted murder in Umuoma. A young man had been shot by suspected cultists in the area.
Isa Chinagro, from Ogwa in Mbaitoli LGA, was taken into custody during the operation. He currently lives on Royce Road in Owerri Municipal, police said.
Preliminary investigations confirmed he's a member of the Neo Black Movement of Africa. Officers also recovered one spent cartridge at the scene.
"Other gang members escaped when police arrived," Henry Okoye, the command's spokesman, told reporters. "But we're searching for them now."
The shooting victim survived and is receiving hospital care. His condition remains under monitoring by medical staff.
State Criminal Investigation Department detectives have taken over the case. They're conducting a deeper probe into the incident and the suspect's background.
Police Commissioner Audu Garba Bosso warned that cultism poses a serious danger to communities. He called on parents to watch their children closely.
"Keep your wards away from cults, drugs, and crime," Bosso urged. Such activities destroy futures and threaten public safety, he noted.
Residents must remain vigilant about security threats. The command asked people to report suspicious activity to the nearest station.
An emergency hotline is available for tips: 0803 477 3600. Information from the public helps police work faster and smarter.
Security has been tightened at FUTO and Federal Polytechnic Nekede. Both institutions have seen cult-related violence in recent times.
Police say they'll continue raids on suspected cultist hideouts. The command is determined to rid Imo of gang violence.
