The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested 23 suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition, and suspected illicit drugs following renewed cult-related violence in Yenagoa and neighboring communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale, disclosed this on Saturday during a briefing in Yenagoa, saying four people were killed in recent attacks and reprisals involving rival cult groups.
He said the arrests followed intelligence-led operations conducted between September 23 and October 8 across Igbogene, Onopa, Ovom, Agudama, Amarata, Swali, and Akenfa.
According to the commissioner, operatives recovered locally made pistols, a pump-action gun, ammunition, cutlasses, axes, knives, and substances suspected to be illicit drugs, including cannabis and codeine.
Adewale said some suspects were awaiting trial, while others were expected to be arraigned. He added that investigations were ongoing and efforts were being made to arrest other suspects still at large.
The police commissioner vowed to sustain the crackdown and urged residents, community leaders, and parents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information and discouraging youths from joining violent cult groups.
He also appealed to residents of affected communities to remain calm as the command intensified patrols to prevent further attacks and restore peace.
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