The Rivers State Police Command has relieved two senior officers of their duties following allegations that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost and celebrated the project’s completion at the facility.
The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the divisional officer overseeing the outpost. Both have reportedly been queried and removed pending the outcome of an investigation.
The development followed the circulation of a viral video showing individuals suspected to be cultists visiting the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the renovation.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, announced the action in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe.
In the statement, titled ‘Rivers State Police Command Condemns Purported Renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost by Suspected Cultists, Relieves Officers, Orders Full Investigation’, the command condemned any association that could undermine the integrity and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognisance of a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the renovation.
“The Command strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.
“Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.
“Under the leadership of CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, the Command maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the Police.
“Consequently, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected Police Outpost have been queried and relieved of their duties pending investigation.
“Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation.”
The command said investigators would determine whether the renovation received the necessary authorisation, whether due procedures were followed and whether any police personnel breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force.
It also stressed that although legitimate community contributions towards improving police facilities are permitted under the law, such support must not undermine police independence or security.
The statement added, “The Command welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.
“However, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“The investigation will establish whether the necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution.
“The Command reiterates that it will not condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any form of improper association with criminal elements by any police officer.
“All personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.”
The police warned that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action in line with the findings of the investigation and existing laws.
It urged residents to remain calm and continue providing credible and timely information to support security efforts across Rivers State.
In the viral video, the individuals appeared to pose as students, at some point chanting “greatest Nigerian students” before reportedly using slogans associated with cult groups. They were seen wearing black trousers and white shirts, with some in red fez caps and others in black berets, as they celebrated in front of the renovated facility alongside some police officers.
The online anti-cultism platform Naija Confra also shared videos and photographs showing the individuals chanting slogans, including “Aromate”, at the station on Thursday.
The report further stated that October 15 marks the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity.
