Security operatives in Rivers State have arrested 13 suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony in Eleme Local Government Area, marking a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on cult-related activities in the region. The arrests took place in a forested area between Alode and Onne in the early hours of Sunday, following a coordinated operation by police forces. Eyewitnesses reported that approximately 100 young men had gathered for the ritual, which is typically held in secluded locations to avoid detection. When security operatives arrived, many of the participants fled into the dense forest, but 13 were apprehended at the scene.
An eyewitness identified as Lene told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Monday that the group belonged to the Aiye Confraternity, commonly known as Black Axe. He explained that such initiation rites are often conducted in remote forest areas to reinforce the group’s territorial control and to induct new members into the cult. The ritual, he added, is part of a broader pattern of organized criminal activity linked to cultism in the region. The presence of so many individuals in one location raised immediate alarm among local residents and security agencies.
ASP Blessing Agabe, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, confirmed the arrests and stated that investigations are currently underway. She did not disclose further details about the operation, including the identities of the suspects or the exact charges they face. However, she emphasized that the police remain committed to ensuring public safety and dismantling criminal networks operating in the state. The arrest follows a broader security initiative launched just days earlier.
On Saturday, a joint operation was initiated by the Police, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps. The multi-agency effort was designed to address the rising tide of kidnapping, cultism, and violent crimes in Rivers State. Authorities have identified cult-related activities as a persistent threat to peace and stability, particularly in areas like Eleme where such groups have historically operated with relative impunity. The recent arrest of 13 cultists is seen as a positive development in this intensified security campaign.
The operation underscores the government’s determination to restore order and protect citizens from the dangers posed by cult violence. As investigations continue, security agencies are expected to release more information about the suspects and their connections to larger criminal networks. This incident highlights the need for sustained efforts to combat cultism, including youth engagement, education, and rehabilitation programs. The crackdown signals a renewed focus on tackling the root causes of violence and insecurity in the region.
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