Operatives of the Imo State Police Command attached to the Nekede Divisional Headquarters have arrested a suspected member of the Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBMA), also known as Black Axe, over an alleged attempted murder incident.

The suspect, identified as 19-year-old Isa Chinagro from Ogwa in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, was arrested following a distress call from the Vigilante Coordinator of Umuoma, Nekede, reporting that a young man had been attacked and shot by suspected cultists.

According to the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene and apprehended the suspect at Royce Road in Owerri Municipal.

Preliminary investigations reportedly linked the suspect to the notorious NBMA cult group.

Police also recovered a locally made single-barrel pistol and an expended cartridge during the operation, while other suspected gang members escaped from the scene.

The victim was rescued and rushed to a hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Okoye disclosed that the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) has commenced further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, warned against cult-related activities, describing them as a major threat to public safety. He urged parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and wards to prevent involvement in cultism, drug abuse and other criminal activities.

The police command also called on residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.

Okoye added that security has been strengthened around Federal University of Technology Owerri and Federal Polytechnic Nekede to curb cult-related violence in the areas.