The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed a clampdown on all unlawful gatherings in a bid to curb increasing cult-related violence and supremacy battles across the state.
This move comes following security intelligence and community reports suggesting that the Neo-Black Movement of Africa is planning to hold a meeting and initiation ceremony on Monday, July 7, 2025 — an event feared to potentially trigger public disorder.
In a press statement released Monday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, explained that the CP has increased security deployments, particularly in student-dominated areas, through the “School Protection Squad”.
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.”
Ikenga added that “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 “School Protection Squad”, Ikenga noted, is an initiative of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, aimed at safeguarding schools, students, and educational 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,” the statement concluded.
