The Bayelsa State Police Command has warned cult groups and their sponsors against attacks and reprisal killings, vowing to intensify operations to forestall cult-related violence across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, gave the warning on Monday while directing Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to step up patrols in vulnerable areas and act swiftly on credible intelligence about planned cult clashes, initiation ceremonies and recruitment.

A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, said the command was also strengthening engagement with community leaders to enable the police to detect emerging tensions and prevent violence before it occurs.

The police commissioner warned cult groups contemplating attacks or reprisals that the command would pursue them and their sponsors.

He said there would be no sacred cows in the command’s efforts to tackle cultism, adding that anyone suspected of organising, financing, facilitating or participating in cult-related crimes would be investigated regardless of status or influence.

The statement said, “Where an attack occurs, officers will move swiftly to secure the area, investigate those responsible and prevent retaliatory violence.”

It further noted that the Bayelsa State Secret Cults/Societies and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law, 2012, as amended in 2018, prohibits membership and sponsorship of secret cults and prescribes criminal penalties upon conviction.

The command urged parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against involvement in cult activities, while residents were advised to report planned attacks, recruitment and other suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

It also warned residents against reprisal attacks, harbouring suspects and spreading rumours capable of escalating violence.

The police urged members of the public to report suspicious activities through their emergency lines, 07034578208 and 09167322691.