The Police Command in Rivers recently made a significant breakthrough in the fight against cult-related violence in the state by apprehending a suspected cultist, Samuel Nwokoma, who led them to a cache of weapons hidden in the Diobu area of Port Harcourt. This successful operation, carried out by the command’s C4i Strike Force and local vigilance group, has resulted in the recovery of a substantial amount of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), arms, and ammunition.
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this development in a statement issued on Tuesday in Port Harcourt. The arrest of Nwokoma, a 25-year-old member of the notorious Blood Star cult group, on March 17, was a crucial step in addressing the recent surge of cult-related attacks and killings in Diobu.
Following credible intelligence, Nwokoma was apprehended early in the morning and subsequently linked to several cult-related killings within the Diobu area. Through interrogation, he confessed to his alleged involvement in two recent cult-related attacks, including the fatal shooting of individuals in the Nanka Street and Ojoto Street areas of Diobu.
In light of Nwokoma’s confession, police operatives were able to locate his gang’s hideout at Ogwu Waterside in Diobu. Although the cultists attempted to escape through a nearby river, law enforcement officers managed to recover a significant arsenal of weapons and explosives, including multiple rifles, magazines, a pistol, live ammunition, IEDs, detonation equipment, and mystical items.
The recovery of these dangerous items not only eliminates an immediate threat to public safety but also underscores the commitment of the police command to combatting violent crimes in the region. Efforts are currently underway to apprehend the remaining suspects, and residents are encouraged to provide any relevant information that could aid in their capture.
