The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested more than 20 suspected cultists as part of an intensified crackdown on cultism and cult-related violence across the state.

The arrests followed renewed clashes between rival cult groups in parts of Yenagoa, the state capital, which reportedly left at least five people dead and several others injured.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, confirmed the arrests, saying 20 suspected cultists had so far been taken into custody.

Police Raid Cultism Hotspots

The crackdown was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, who directed police personnel and tactical teams to intensify operations in areas identified as vulnerable to cult activities.

The affected areas include Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa, Agudama and other communities within the state capital.

According to the police, several suspected cultists, including individuals described as notorious members of cult groups, have been arrested, while efforts are ongoing to track down other suspects.

Adewale also directed divisional police officers and tactical commanders to strengthen patrols, improve intelligence gathering and respond swiftly to credible information concerning planned cult clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment activities.

Renewed Violence Triggers Security Operation

The police operation follows a resurgence of cult-related violence in Yenagoa between Sunday and Wednesday.

Reports said rival groups identified as Bobos and Greenlanders were involved in clashes in areas including Agudama, Obele and the Back of St. Peters area.

At least five people were reportedly killed in the latest wave of violence, while others sustained injuries.

The renewed clashes have also raised concerns over the breakdown of a peace agreement previously reached among some cult groups under the former leadership of the state police command.

Police Deny Death of Onopa Shooting Victim

Meanwhile, the police have dismissed reports that a young man who was shot in the Onopa area of Yenagoa had died.

According to the command, the man, who was suspected of cult involvement, was shot at his Point of Sale stand on Wednesday and was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

The clarification followed reports of protests by residents who reportedly accused some police officers of indiscriminate arrests during the ongoing raids.

Police authorities maintained that the victim was alive and receiving medical attention.

Police Warn Cultists and Sponsors

The police commissioner warned cult groups and their sponsors against further attacks and reprisal killings, stressing that the command would sustain its operations against cultism.

The command also said it would target individuals suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes.

Police said investigations would be conducted and suspects would be prosecuted where sufficient evidence is established.

The command further urged parents and guardians to caution their children against joining cult groups and called on residents to provide information about planned attacks, recruitment activities and initiation ceremonies.

Residents were also warned against harbouring suspects, spreading unverified information or carrying out reprisal attacks.

The Bayelsa State Police Command said its objective was to dismantle cult networks, prevent further violence and restore lasting peace to affected communities.

The suspects remain under investigation, and their alleged involvement in cult-related crimes has not been established by a court.