PORT HARCOURT — The Rivers State Police Command has relieved two senior officers of their duties and ordered a full investigation following a viral video showing suspected cult members renovating and celebrating at a police facility in Abuloma.
A video that circulated widely on Instagram and other platforms on Wednesday, October 15, 2026, captured the unveiling of renovated sections of the Abuloma Police Outpost at Okuru Junction.
The footage, shared by accounts including Port Harcourt Headquarters (@portharcourthq) with the caption “Cultists Renovated a Police Station in Rivers State,” depicts a group associated with the DNKI (also known as Vikings or De Norsemen Kclub International) confraternity, specifically linked to the Trans Marine Platoon from the Trans Amadi area.
Reports identified the individuals as members of the group who publicly claimed credit for the renovation work. Some versions of the video and accompanying commentary described the men engaging in activities at the facility after the unveiling, raising immediate public concern about the relationship between security institutions and cult groups in Rivers State.
The development quickly sparked debate online. Many users expressed shock and skepticism, questioning how alleged members of a cult group could fund and carry out improvements at a police outpost. Others joked darkly about the implications for law enforcement’s ability to combat cultism, while some noted that community support for police infrastructure is not uncommon when done through legitimate channels.
Police Response
In a press release issued on Friday, October 16, the Rivers State Police Command said it had taken cognisance of the trending social media reports and circulating video. The command strongly condemned any action that could compromise the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or appear to confer legitimacy on suspected cult groups.
“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,” the statement said.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the affected outpost have been queried and relieved of their duties pending the outcome of the investigation. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga A. Adewuyi ordered a comprehensive probe to determine:
- The identities and backgrounds of those who financed or facilitated the renovation
- Which police officers authorised or approved the project
- Whether due procedures were followed
- Whether any officer breached professional standards
- The full extent of any police involvement
The command emphasised that no donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on unprofessional conduct or improper associations with criminal elements.
Broader Concerns
Anti-cultism advocates and local observers have long highlighted the deep roots of confraternity activity in parts of Port Harcourt and Rivers State. Platforms monitoring cult-related issues described the incident as particularly troubling because it involved a security facility. Questions have been raised about whether police can effectively confront groups that appear to have established some form of influence or presence around the same institutions meant to combat them.
It remains unclear whether the renovation involved any overlap with earlier legitimate community projects at Abuloma police facilities. In October 2025, for example, the Police Community Relations Committee and the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt commissioned renovated conveniences and perimeter work at a nearby divisional headquarters.
As of Friday morning, the investigation was ongoing. Authorities have not released the names of the officers involved or confirmed the full identities of those who carried out the renovation. The viral video continues to generate discussion about the challenges of addressing cultism while maintaining public confidence in the police.
The Rivers State Police Command has urged the public to await the findings of the probe and to report any information that could assist investigators.
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