Security operatives in Rivers State have disrupted a suspected cult initiation ceremony in Eleme Local Government Area, leading to the arrest of 13 individuals.
The suspects were picked up in the early hours of Sunday at a forest area between Alode and Onne after security personnel stormed the location.
An eyewitness, identified simply as Lene, said about 100 young men had gathered in the forest for the initiation exercise when the operation occurred.
He explained that many participants fled into the surrounding bush on sighting the approaching security operatives, while others were arrested at the scene.
According to him, the group was allegedly linked to the Aiye confraternity, also known as Black Axe, adding that such forest gatherings are often used for recruiting new members and asserting control within the area.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command confirmed the arrest, stating that an investigation had already begun, though details of the operation were not disclosed.
Cult-related violence remains a recurring security challenge in parts of the state. Recently, a joint security task force involving the police, military services, and other agencies intensified operations aimed at curbing kidnapping, cult activities, and other violent crimes.
The suspects are expected to be profiled as investigations continue.