The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered a clampdown on any unlawful gathering across the state, as intelligence reports suggest planned cult-related activities that could threaten public peace.
The directive follows credible information indicating that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa, a known cult group, may be planning initiation rites and possible attacks on rival cult factions on Monday, July 7, 2025.
In response, the police command has heightened security presence, especially in student-populated areas, and activated the School Protection Squad to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, and posted on the command’s official Facebook page on Monday, stated that security operatives had been deployed to strategic locations, including motor parks and other identified spots across the state.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu fwc MNIPS PhD, has ordered a clampdown on any unlawful gathering in the state,” Ikenga said.
“This follows security intelligence-led policing and community information suggesting that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may use today, July 7, to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including cult initiations and reprisals against rival cult groups,” he said further.
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He noted that such activities are often concentrated in areas with high student populations, prompting the police to activate the School Protection Squad to act offensively rather than wait for incidents to occur.
“The security deployment also includes covert operations, with operatives stationed at motor/keke parks and other identified locations to nip any untoward development in the bud,” Ikenga added.
He further urged hotel proprietors, bar and lounge operators, as well as owners of studio apartments, to refrain from allowing their facilities to be used for any cult-related meetings or events.
“The CP calls on hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments to refuse hosting of any gatherings associated with cult groups or related activities,” the statement read.
Ikenga explained that the School Protection Squad (SPS), initiated by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, is designed specifically to safeguard schools, students, and educational infrastructure from criminal threats.
“The Squad is a proactive measure by the IGP to ensure the safety of our academic environment, and we are implementing it to full effect in Anambra,” he said.
The police command also urged members of the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activity or gathering to law enforcement authorities promptly.
“We appeal to residents to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious movement, gathering, or potential threats. Citizens can reach out to their area commanders or divisional police officers in areas of concern,” Ikenga concluded.
The command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
