The Bayelsa State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force has intensified its crackdown on suspected cult groups and cult-related violence, arresting more than 20 suspects as security operations spread across Swali, Akenfa, Agudama, Down Yenagoa and other communities in the state.
Key Highlights
- Bayelsa Police arrest more than 20 suspects in intensified anti-cult operations.
- Police operations target Swali, Akenfa, Agudama, Down Yenagoa and other communities.
- Community leaders and youths warned against harbouring suspected cult members.
- Police say notorious cultists have been arrested while others are being hunted.
- Residents protest alleged indiscriminate arrests and shooting during an Onopa raid.
- Police confirm a young man injured during the operation is receiving treatment and is not dead.
- At least five people were feared killed in a renewed cult clash in Yenagoa at the weekend.
Police Intensify Anti-Cult Operations in Bayelsa
The security operation followed a directive by the Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, for police formations and tactical teams to intensify efforts against cultism and cult-related violence across the state.
Police operatives have reportedly moved into communities identified as vulnerable to cult activities, including Swali, Akenfa, Agudama and areas around Yenagoa.
Sources said the operations have resulted in the arrest of several suspected cult members, while police have continued efforts to track others allegedly involved in cult-related activities.
Communities Take Stand Against Cultism
The intensified police presence and warnings to community leaders and youths have reportedly encouraged some communities to publicly distance themselves from cult groups.
Community stakeholders have been urged to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information on suspected cult activities, initiation ceremonies, recruitment efforts and planned clashes.
Police authorities have also warned residents against harbouring or protecting suspected cult members.
Onopa Shooting Sparks Community Protest
The crackdown has, however, generated controversy in the Onopa area of Yenagoa following a police operation during which a young man suspected of cultism and illicit drug dealing was shot.
Aggrieved residents accused officers attached to the anti-cultism operation of indiscriminate arrests and shooting.
They also alleged that the police officer who shot the young man, as well as an informant who reportedly accused him of belonging to the Vikings cult group and selling illicit drugs, were linked to a rival group known as Bobos.
The allegations have not been independently established.
The residents called on CP Ajao Saka Adewale to investigate the conduct of personnel involved in the operation and examine allegations of possible links between some officers and cult groups.
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- Police Arrest 14 Suspected Cultists, Recover 2 Firearms In Enugu
Police Clarify Condition of Shot Suspect
Police authorities confirmed that the young man injured during Tuesday’s operation is alive and receiving medical treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.
The clarification came after rumours circulated within the community that the victim had died.
According to the police, the suspect was receiving treatment and had not died as alleged.
Renewed Cult War Claims Lives in Yenagoa
The latest crackdown follows a renewed cult conflict that reportedly erupted in Yenagoa over the weekend.
No fewer than five people were feared killed during clashes involving two suspected rival cult groups identified as the Bobos and Greenlanders.
The reported violence affected areas including Agudama, Obele and Back of St Peters in the Bayelsa State capital.
Sources said the renewed clashes have raised concerns over the peace arrangement previously reached among various cult groups under the former leadership of the Bayelsa State Police Command.
Police Commissioner Orders Wider Crackdown
Following the renewed violence, CP Ajao Saka Adewale ordered an intensified operation against cultism and cult-related violence throughout Bayelsa State.
The Commissioner directed Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to increase patrols in vulnerable communities and identify emerging security threats.
He also instructed officers to act promptly on credible intelligence concerning planned cult clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.
The Police Commissioner maintained that there would be no “sacred cow” in the fight against cultism, signalling that anyone found to be involved in cult-related criminal activities would face investigation and prosecution.
The command has urged community leaders, youths and residents to cooperate with security agencies and provide useful information that could prevent further violence.
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