The Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of a suspected cultist and the recovery of a cache of firearms and ammunition in Port Harcourt, in a major breakthrough against criminal networks in the state.

The arrest was made on July 9, 2025, at approximately 6:20 p.m. by a combined team of operatives from the Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT), Hawk Tactical Squad, and Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), working in synergy with the Diobu local vigilante group.

The suspect, identified as Diseye Ukulu, a 36-year-old male from Bayelsa State but resident at No. 25 Nnewi Street, Diobu, was apprehended following an intelligence-driven operation targeting ongoing rivalries between cult factions D12 and BS, both linked to the deadly Deygbam cult group.

According to the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Ukulu\'s arrest and subsequent confession led the operatives to the residence of one Achionu Solomon Chukwuma, also known as Solex, where a number of weapons were recovered.

Items recovered include:

One Scorpion VZ61 submachine gun

One fabricated English-made Beretta pistol

20 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition

2 rounds of 9mm live ammunition

A pair of screwdrivers and sunglasses, all concealed in a black bag

The suspect and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody as investigations continue to uncover and apprehend other members of the cult group.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has commended the operatives for their swift and tactical response, reiterating the Command’s determination to root out cultism and violent crime across the state.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to rid Rivers State of all forms of criminality. We urge residents to support the Police with timely and credible information,” CP Adepoju said.