By DESMOND EJIBAS

Security operatives have arrested 13 suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers.

The suspects were apprehended in a forest between Alode and Onne in the early hours of Sunday.

An eyewitness, identified as Lene, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Monday that about 100 young men had gathered at the location for the initiation ritual.

He said while the initiation exercise was ongoing, police operatives stormed the gathering.

“On sighting the approach of security operatives, many of the cultists fled deeper into the forest.

“However, over 13 of them were apprehended at the scene, while others escaped,” he said.

Lene identified the group as members of the Aiye Confraternity, popularly known as Black Axe.

He said the initiation of new recruits was often conducted in the forest to strengthen territorial control in the local government area.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Police Command in Rivers, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the arrest of the suspects.

“Yes, I can confirm the arrests. Investigation has commenced,” she said.

Agabe, however, did not provide further details on the operation.

NAN reports that cult-related activities have remained a security concern in parts of the state.

On Saturday, the Police, along with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, launched a joint operation.

The initiative was introduced to combat rising cases of kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes in the state. (NAN)