Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army on Wednesday shot dead five suspected cultists during a gun battle in Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers state.

Mohammed Alkali, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), and his orderly were beheaded in the community during the legislative rerun election in the state.

Kasimu Abdulkarim, general officer commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Port Harcourt, confirmed the killings of the suspects, saying the battle was part of ‘Operation Cleanup’ of cultists and militants “terrorizing” residents.

Abdulkarim said this year, troops have recovered five AK 47 assault rifles from cultists in the area.

“Army 6 Division has recorded appreciable successes in its bid to rid the local government of cultists and brigands,” Abdulkarim added.

Quoting sources, NAN said troops stormed the area after receiving distress call over the cultists’ activities.

A witness said the suspects invaded Omoku town on Tuesday night and shot dead two unidentified young men before making attempt to escape.

“After killing the men, they shot sporadically before soldiers closed in on them”, a witness said.