Notorious cult leader shot dead during gun battle with the Army in Rivers State{photo}

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army shot dead a notorious cultist during a gun duel in Sime community, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers on Tuesday morning.

The Division’s Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu IIiyasu, who disclosed this to newsmen in Port Harcourt, said that the deceased cultist identified as the Supreme, was the leader of Dey Bam secret cult group, responsible for extra judicial killings in the state.

The late cultist was on the wanted list of Rivers Police command. One suspected cultist was arrested while several others fled the scene with gunshot wounds in the operation that lasted several hours.

"Troops of 29 Battalion deployed to Ebubu, Eleme LGA and the anti-robbery team deployed along Port Harcourt–Akwa Ibom road conducted a successful raid operation in Sime community," he said.

"During the operation, the troops engaged in gun duel with members of the notorious Dey Bam cult group led by one Mr Supreme, who has been on the wanted list of Rivers government. Supreme was shot during the gun battle and later died as a result of excessive bleeding while several others (suspected cultists) escaped with gunshot wounds.

"One SIGP228 pistol with registration number 299MME225 and ten rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered during the raid," he added.

Iliyasu said one suspected cultist was arrested and handed over to Rivers Police command for further investigation.

According to him, the division has already deployed troops to strategic locations to safeguard lives and properties of residents of the state.

"Cultists and other criminal elements are hereby warned to desist from wicked acts and embrace the amnesty programme currently being offered by Rivers government. The division urges the residents to assist it with credible information that will lead to the arrest of criminals in their domain," he said.