The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the arrest of notorious cultists allegedly involved in the brutal killing of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Rivers State.

The murdered officer, SP Bako Angbashim, was ambushed in 2023 during a tactical operation against cult groups in the Ahoada East LGA of the state. His death sent shockwaves through the country, sparking nationwide outrage and demands for justice.

After months of intelligence-led investigations, police operatives apprehended the suspects believed to be members of the Iceland cult group and lieutenants of their slain leader, Gift Okpara, popularly known as 2-Baba, responsible for the gruesome murder of the former Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada East LGA, Bako Angbashim, in 2023.

Spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The statement reads, “On May 3, 2025, operatives of the command received credible information regarding the whereabouts of a notorious cultist also known as “K1,” a member of the late 2Baba Iceland cult group.

“This group was linked to the murder of late SP Bako Angbashim, the then DPO of Ahoada Division.

“The police operatives swiftly stormed the suspect’s camp in Ikata Community, Ahoada East LGA, and arrested one Lovegod Goodluck, a male resident of Ikata Community.

“During the operation, one locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges were recovered from him.

“In a follow-up operation on the 13th of June, 2025, at about 1730 hrs, operatives made another breakthrough, arresting one Precious Olumini, a male suspect who had earlier escaped. An English made pump-action gun and a locally made pistol were recovered from him.

“During interrogation, suspects confessed to being members of the dreaded Iceland cult group that has been terrorizing Ahoada-East axis of the state.”

It continued, “Suspects and exhibits are in police custody; investigation is currently in progress with efforts being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover their operational weapons.

Speaking, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured people and residents of the state that the command under his watch remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of lives and property in the state.

Adepoju urged citizens to cooperate with the police in their efforts to rid communities of violent and criminal elements by reporting any suspicious activities to the police for prompt action.