Anambra CP orders clampdown on unlawful gatherings, cult groups

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the clampdown on any unlawful gatherings in his effort to tackle the rising cases of supremacy battle among cult groups in the state.

Orutugu said the development follows the security intelligence-led policing and community information, which suggested that the “Neo-Black Movement of Africa” will be holding their meeting and initiation today(Monday), which may lead to public disorder.

In a press statement on Monday, the spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said as a result, the CP has also stepped up security deployment with the “School Protection Squad” by ordering police operatives to be on the offensive in student-populated areas.

Ikenga said the CP urged proprietors of hotels and bars or any related places to refuse hosting of any illegal gatherings in their facility.

The statement read, “This follows the security intelligence-led policing and community information that suggests that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa may use today 7th of July 2025 to execute plans that could lead to serious public disorder, including cult initiations and reprisals against rival cult groups in the State.

The CP noted that these criminal activities happen within student-populated areas, and stepped up the security deployment with the School Protection Squad directing the Operatives of the Command to be on the offensive.

“He also urged hoteliers, lounge owners, and operators of studio apartments, to refuse their facilities for hosting any gatherings associated with cult groups or any related activities. The Security deployment also involves covert operations with Operatives at the Motor/Keke parks and identified spots to nip in the bud any untoward situation.

The Schools Protection Squad is an initiative of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, designed to protect the schools, students, and institutional infrastructure.

“Given the above, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious activities, gatherings, or threats to the Police as the Command remains dedicated to a peaceful and secure environment for everyone in the State.

“You can call the various Area Commanders or DPOs in your areas of concern as can be found attached, please.”