News
Police Neutralise Notorious Cult Leader In Owube Kingdom
The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a significant milestone in crime fighting in the State following the killing of a notarious cultist, Izuma David Odiereke also known as Solution.
This was contained in a press release made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt.
According to the release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe Koko, in a significant victory against criminality, the Rivers State Police Command has successfully neutralised Izuma David Odiereke, also known as Solution, a notorious cult leader operating in Owube Kingdom in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State.
It said that Odiereke, who has long been on the wanted list of the police, met his end in a gun battle with law enforcement officers in a forest within the local government area at approximately 4am last Monday.
Addressing the press at the Ahoada Area Command, where Odiereke’s body was brought, Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, stated, “We have been under attack from him and his cult group for some time. The command declared him wanted in 2016 due to numerous killings attributed to him. He is a serial killer, and his criminal activities have rendered his clan deserted.”
The reign of terror perpetrated by Odiereke, Commissioner Disu continued, “came to an end when the command led a successful operation to his camp at Api forest, situated between Odiereke Ubie and Joinkarama 4 in Ahoada West LGA. Despite his attempts to evade capture, the command maintained relentless pursuit, eventually leading to his neutralisation.”
Commissioner Disu listed over 10 individuals killed by Odiereke’s Greenland Cult during his reign of terror, including the notable Paramount Ruler, Sampson, who fell victim to the gangster on February 2, 2024. He commended the officers of the Ahoada Area Command and Division for their dedication and urged them to remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
The Commissioner also expressed gratitude to members of the local community for their cooperation, providing crucial intelligence and credible information to aid law enforcement efforts.
In a show of solidarity, members of the Ahoada West community gathered to express their appreciation for the Rivers State Police Command’s efforts in restoring peace. Hon. Ben Eke, Chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Council, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “Even though he is from Ahoada West and was neutralised there, the ripple effects of reduced criminality will benefit my LGA.”
Paramount Ruler Seji Erbenezer of Owube community, Odiereke’s hometown, echoed the sentiment, saying, “the community is relieved. This young man has been a terror, engaging in serial killings, kidnappings, and notorious cult activities.”
The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, and this successful operation marks a significant step forward in achieving that goal.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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