The Rivers State Police Command has relieved the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the Abuloma Police Outpost of their duties following reports that suspected cult members renovated part of the facility and later visited the premises to celebrate the project.

The development sparked controversy after videos circulated on social media showing members of a group identified in the reports as DNKI, also known as Vikings or De Norsemen Kclub International, at the police outpost around Okuru Junction, Abuloma, in the Trans Amadi area of Port Harcourt.

Cultists Renovated a Police Station in Rivers State. pic.twitter.com/KZAJ0jjRTf

— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) October 15, 2026

The group was reportedly operating under the name Trans Marine Platoon. According to an October 15 post by anti-cultism advocacy platform Naija Confra, members of the group unveiled the renovated section of the police facility on Thursday.

The footage attracted attention online, with viewers questioning why individuals alleged to be associated with a cult group were involved in renovating a police facility responsible for maintaining law and order.

The controversy also raised concerns about the source of funding for the project, whether the renovation received official approval and the extent of police officers’ involvement.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed that it had taken notice of the circulating reports and video. The statement, signed by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said Commissioner of Police Olugbenga A. Adepoju had ordered a full investigation into the incident.

The command said the two affected officers had been queried and relieved of their duties pending the investigation.

The police condemned any action or association capable of undermining the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or giving suspected cult groups legitimacy or public recognition.

According to the command, police facilities are public institutions established to protect citizens and enforce the law, and must not be used by unlawful groups to seek influence or recognition.

The investigation will examine the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or approved the project, and whether the required procedures were followed.

It will also determine whether any police personnel breached professional standards, compromised the integrity of the force or participated improperly in the incident.

The command, however, clarified that community support for improving police facilities is not automatically prohibited.

It cited Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund. The police stressed that such assistance must not compromise the force’s independence, professional standards or security.

The statement added that the investigation would establish whether the necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate background checks were conducted on those who funded or facilitated the work.

The command also warned that donations or other forms of assistance would not grant anyone immunity from investigation or prosecution.

It reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism, organised crime and misconduct within its ranks, adding that disciplinary or legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable after the investigation.

The controversy followed a post by Naija Confra, an advocacy platform that monitors cult-related activities and promotes the rejection of violence. The platform questioned whether police officers could effectively investigate or arrest members of a group that had helped renovate their station.

The debate has centred on the need to maintain public confidence in law enforcement institutions and ensure that any private assistance to police facilities is transparent, properly authorised and free from improper influence.

However, the allegations surrounding the group and its involvement in the renovation remain subject to investigation. The police have not announced the final findings of their probe, and the removal of the two officers from their duties does not by itself establish that they committed any wrongdoing.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to clarify who financed the renovation, how the project was approved and whether any police personnel violated established procedures.