The Rivers State Police Command has seized a collection of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), arms, and ammunition from individuals believed to be involved in cult-related activities.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed the results of the operation in a statement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt.
Through a well-coordinated operation by the command’s C4i Strike Force in partnership with the local vigilance group, a suspected cult member named Samuel Nwokoma was captured.
Nwokoma then guided the security team to a hideout in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt, where the weapons were hidden.
She said, “The arrest and seizures mark significant progress in addressing the recent wave of cult-related attacks and killings in Diobu.
“The arrest of Nwokoma, 25, a member of the notorious Blood Star cult group, took place on March 17 around 7 a.m., following credible intelligence.
“Nwokoma has been linked to several cult-related killings within Diobu area of Port Harcourt.”
Iringe-Koko stated that following the arrest, interrogators managed to obtain a confession about his supposed participation in two cult-related attacks in the region.
She added, “On March 14, at about 8:30 p.m., the suspect, along with his gang, attacked and fatally shot Ede Sunday, 32, at Nanka Street by Lumumba in Diobu.
“Similarly, on March 16, the gang also shot George Johnson, 28, in the chest at Ojoto Street by Emenike in the same area.
“Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the New Mile One Clinic, Johnson tragically succumbed to his injuries.”
The spokesperson for the command said that after confessing, Nwokoma led police to his gang’s hideout at Ogwu Waterside in Diobu. When they arrived at the hideout, she explained that the cultists escaped through a nearby river.
Iringe-Koko noted, “Officers proceeded to search the hideout and recovered three AK-47 rifles, one assault rifle, six AK-47 magazines, one Beretta pistol, and 274 rounds of 7.6mm live ammunition.
“Additionally, 105 rounds of 6.55 live ammunition, nine rounds of.9mm ammunition, seven packets of IEDs, one long wire used for detonating explosives, and various charms were recovered.
“The recovery of these dangerous weapons and explosives will neutralise an immediate threat to public safety and underscore the command’s dedication to combating violent crimes.”
Iringe-Koko mentioned that they are currently working on capturing the suspects who are on the run. They are asking residents to share any helpful information that could help in catching them.
