Bayelsa Police Arrest 23 Cultists, Seize Weapons in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Police Command arrested 23 suspected cultists in Yenagoa and surrounding areas due to cult-related violence, attempted murder, and public peace breaches. Commissioner of Police Ajao Saka Adewale announced the arrests during a press briefing, noting that four individuals had been killed in recent cult clashes.

The operations, conducted by the Anti-Cultism Unit and Violent Crime Response Unit, took place between September 23 and October 8, 2026. Notable arrests included Tarimie James, 24, found with a locally fabricated Beretta pistol, and Ezeikiel Joel, 24, who had a pump-action gun.

Five suspects were apprehended on October 5, and additional arrests occurred on October 7 and 8, with various weapons recovered. Adewale emphasized the commitment to maintaining community safety and pursuing offenders within legal bounds.