The Bayelsa State Police Command has arrested more than 20 suspected cultists as it intensifies operations against rival groups following renewed cult-related violence in Yenagoa, the state capital.

The crackdown, ordered by the Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, has seen police personnel and tactical teams deployed to communities identified as hotspots for cult activities, including Swali, Akenfa, Down Yenagoa and Agudama.

Police sources said several suspects, including individuals described as notorious cult members, had been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to track down others.

Renewed clashes leave at least five feared dead

The latest security operation follows renewed clashes between rival cult groups known as the Bobos and Greenlanders.

The violence reportedly began on Friday and spread to parts of Yenagoa, including Agudama, Obele and the area behind St Peter’s.

At least five people were feared killed during the clashes, raising concerns over a possible breakdown of the peace previously secured between the rival groups.

The renewed violence prompted the police command to intensify patrols and deploy tactical teams to areas considered vulnerable to further attacks.

Police operation sparks protest in Onopa

Despite the crackdown, tensions have emerged in Onopa, Yenagoa, following the shooting of a young man during a police operation on Tuesday.

Some residents accused officers attached to the anti-cultism team of indiscriminate arrests and shooting. They also alleged that the officer involved in the shooting and an informant who reportedly accused the young man of belonging to the Vikings cult group and selling illicit drugs were linked to the rival Bobos group.

The young man was allegedly operating as a point-of-sale (POS) operator while being accused of selling illicit drugs.

The police, however, dismissed rumours that the victim had died, confirming that he was receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.

The residents called on the police commissioner to investigate the allegations against the officers and ensure that personnel involved in cult activities were held accountable.

The allegations against the officers have not been independently established.

Police vow to sustain crackdown

Commissioner of Police Adewale has directed divisional police officers and tactical commanders to intensify patrols, strengthen intelligence gathering and respond promptly to credible information about planned cult clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment.

The command has maintained that the operation will continue across the state, with the aim of dismantling cult networks and preventing further killings and retaliatory attacks.

Police authorities have also urged residents and community leaders to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information about suspected cultists and their activities.

The latest arrests come amid renewed efforts by the command to restore peace in affected communities and prevent further violence.