In a decisive operation to dismantle criminal networks across Rivers State, the Police Command has arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a cache of dangerous weapons in Port Harcourt.
According to a press briefing by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspect, 36-year-old Diseye Ukulu from Bayelsa State, was apprehended on July 9th, 2025, at approximately 6:20 p.m. Ukulu, a resident of Nnewi Street in Diobu, Port Harcourt, was arrested by a joint task force comprising members of the Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT), Hawk Tactical Squad, Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), and Diobu local vigilante groups.
Police say the intelligence-led operation targeted ongoing violent rivalries between the D12 and BS cult factions, both reportedly under the umbrella of the infamous Deygbam group. This group has been linked to a series of brutal killings in the Diobu area.
Following Ukulu’s confession, law enforcement agents raided the residence of another suspect, Achionu Solomon Chukwuma—also known as “Solex”—where they recovered: a Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun, a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, 20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition, 2 rounds of 9mm live ammunition, a disguised item resembling a pair of sunglasses.
All items were found concealed in a black bag.
The suspects and seized items are currently in police custody. Authorities have launched a discreet investigation to apprehend other members of the cult network.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, reiterated the Command’s commitment to eradicating crime and called on residents to continue sharing timely intelligence with law enforcement agencies to bolster future operations.
