Awka, Anambra State — The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 29-year-old suspected cultist and political thug, identified as Onyeaka Odogwu, popularly known as “Red Angel”, in an intelligence-led operation in Enugu-Ukwu.

The Command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the arrest was part of ongoing efforts to ensure peace and security ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

According to the statement, Odogwu was arrested on October 24, 2025, at about 11:30 a.m. by operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad (SPACS) following actionable intelligence on his activities.

“In a sustained effort to ensure a peaceful, safe, and credible forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State, the Command has arrested a notorious suspected cultist and political thug identified as Onyeaka Odogwu, also known as Red Angel,” Ikenga said.

Weapons, Cult Regalia Recovered

Items recovered from the suspect include two pump action guns, two English-made double-barrel guns, three live cartridges, red cloth and regalia bearing cult insignia, three black caps, and two red caps with inscriptions associated with the Vikings Confraternity.

Ikenga said that during interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of the Vikings cult group and admitted to involvement in politically motivated thuggery.

“Following his confession, the suspect, in the early hours of Sunday, led SPACS operatives to their armoury in Omor, where the recovered exhibits were found,” Ikenga added.

He noted that the items had been documented as evidence, while investigations were ongoing to track and apprehend other members of the gang and their accomplices.

Police Vow to Maintain Peace Ahead of Election

The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to prevent any group or individual from threatening public safety or disrupting the electoral process.

“The Command will not allow cult groups, armed gangs, or political thugs to destabilize Anambra State or undermine the peace we are building,” Orutugu said.

He appealed to parents, community leaders, and youth organisations to actively discourage young people from being drawn into cultism or political violence, assuring residents of enhanced security deployment across all local government areas in the lead-up to the election.