The Police Command in Cross River has arrested a 24-year-old student. The arrest followed a viral video. The video allegedly showed suspected cult members firing shots from a moving vehicle in Calabar. The incident occurred in the early hours of 17 September 2026.
Cultism has plagued Nigerian universities for decades. The Vikings Confraternity is one of the oldest and most notorious. It was founded at the University of Ibadan in 1952. It has since spread across campuses and cities. Cult clashes have killed hundreds of students and bystanders. In 2023, several students died in cult-related violence in Edo and Rivers states. In 2024, the police arrested suspected cultists in Lagos and Ogun. The pattern repeats. Universities are recruiting grounds. Alumni networks sustain the groups. Firearms circulate. Sign-out ceremonies and initiations often involve violence. The video from Calabar is the latest example.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajo Ordue, directed immediate identification and apprehension. The Deputy Commissioner in charge of Operations and operatives of the Violence Crime Response Unit commenced an intelligence-led operation at about 11:30 pm on 17 September. The operation led to the identification and tracking of the vehicle captured in the footage. It resulted in the arrest of the driver. Information from the driver helped trace a key suspect to a hotel in Calabar. He was arrested there.
The suspect is a student of the University of Cross River (UNICROSS). He allegedly identified himself during interrogation as a leader of the Vikings Confraternity. He admitted to being the person seen firing shots in the video. He said he participated in a sign-out activity. Another suspected member handed him the pistol used in the shooting. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons connected with the incident. The circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm are still being investigated. The Commissioner directed that the investigation be professional and comprehensive. All persons found to have participated or facilitated the act will be brought to justice. The Commissioner warned that unlawful discharge of firearms in public places poses a serious security concern. He urged residents to report suspicious movements, illegal possession of firearms and cult-related activities.
Winners: The police, which made an arrest. The Violence Crime Response Unit, which demonstrated capacity. Residents of Calabar, who see action. The university, which can claim cooperation. Losers: The arrested student, who faces prosecution. His family. Other cult members, who remain at large. The university, which faces reputational damage. Students, who face increased scrutiny. The public, which remains at risk from cult violence.
Bottom Line: A student fired shots from a moving vehicle in Calabar. He was arrested. He named the Vikings. The video was the evidence. The police acted. The question is whether the arrest deters others. Cultism is not a student problem. It is a society problem. Until the networks are dismantled, the shootings will continue.