Men of the Rivers State Police Command have been raiding waterfronts in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt, the state capital, believed to be hideouts of suspected cultists in the state.
PUNCH Metro gathered on Wednesday that 55 suspects were arrested in the raids carried out on Monday and Tuesday.
A resident told our correspondent that the raid was first carried out in the Mile 1 area, Diobu on Monday, while the second was done on Tuesday in the Mile 2 area.
The source, who does not want his name in print because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the raids were carried out by operatives drawn from the police’s Anti-Cultism Unit, Octopus Strike Force, Mile One Police Division and Azikiwe Police Division.
The operation came five days after warring cult gangs in Diobu reportedly agreed to a peace deal and declared a cease-fire after a cult war that claimed about four lives.
“The personnel raided some waterfronts in Mile One and Mile Two areas in Diobu. They arrested over 50 suspects. There was tension because of the cult problem for almost two weeks now,” the resident said.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development to our correspondent on Wednesday.
She said, “Yes, I can confirm the raid and arrest. You know for some time now, there have been cult clashes in the Diobu axis.
“So, our men raided some hideouts and made some arrests. The suspects are being profiled as we speak. Those find culpable would be charged in court and the investigation is ongoing.
“The state Commissioner of Police, Okon Effiong, is committed to ensuring peace in all parts of the state.”
