Rivers Police Remove Two Officers Over Alleged Cultists’ Renovation Of Abuloma Outpost
The Rivers State Police Command has queried and relieved two officers of their duties following allegations that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost in Port Harcourt and visited the facility to celebrate the completion of the project.
The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the police outpost. Their removal was announced in a statement issued by the command on Friday, October 16, 2026, following the circulation of a video showing individuals described in reports as suspected cultists at the facility.
According to the command, the video and accompanying social media reports alleged that the individuals visited the outpost on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate the completion of the renovation.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, subsequently ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the project and verify the allegations.
The police said the investigation would identify the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation, determine which officers authorised or approved it, and establish whether the required procedures were followed.
Investigators are also expected to determine whether any police personnel breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.
The command condemned any action or association capable of undermining police discipline and professionalism or conferring legitimacy on suspected cult groups and other unlawful organisations.
It maintained that police facilities are public institutions established to protect citizens and enforce the law, warning against their use by criminal groups seeking recognition or influence.
Police clarify position on donations
The command acknowledged that community members could legitimately support efforts to improve police facilities but stressed that such assistance must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
It cited Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for grants, gifts, endowments and contributions from various sources to the Police General Fund.
However, the command said the investigation would determine whether the appropriate approvals were obtained and whether sufficient checks were conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.
It also warned that donations or other forms of assistance would not shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.
The police said officers found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary measures, while legal action would be taken where warranted.
Video prompts investigation
The police response followed the circulation of a video that reportedly showed individuals visiting the renovated outpost, with some reports also describing police personnel taking photographs with them(WATCH:https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DhFEMSGme/).
Premium Times reportedhttps://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DhFEMSGme/ thahttps://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DhFEMSGme/t a social media user identified the group as “Aro Bagger” and claimed that the renovation was unveiled as part of the group’s 2026 Humanitarian Day celebration.
However, the group’s identity, its alleged involvement in the renovation and the circumstances under which the project was carried out have not been conclusively established by the investigation announced by the police.
The command urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information to assist security agencies in tackling cultism and organised crime in Rivers State.
The investigation is expected to establish who financed the renovation, whether the project received the necessary approvals and whether any police personnel breached professional or legal requirements.
