No fewer than 51 suspected criminals were arrested when a combined team of security officials raided their hideout near a brothel along Azikiwe Street in Mile 2 area of Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

It was learnt that the arrest followed a distress call to the police that the hoodlums were robbing residents at gunpoint and carting away their mobile telephones and other valuables.

A source also told our correspondent that two rival cult groups known as the “Junior Vikings” and “De-gbam” had clashed on Monday night, shattering the serenity of the area.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-koko, confirmed the arrest, saying investigation was ongoing.

Iringe-koko said following a distress call, a combined team of police and other operatives stormed the area and gave the hoodlums a hot chase.

She said, “We got information about a criminal hideout and that these boys were robbing people at gunpoint in that Azikiwe area.

“So, the joint patrol team quickly moved in and chased them. They ran into one hotel (a brothel). And that hotel is a black spot in that area.

“51 of them were apprehended. They are currently being profiled and helping the police with useful information that can give us a breakthrough.”

Asked if some of those arrested may not have been wrongly picked, she said the investigation was ongoing, saying, “Anyone found to be innocent will be released, while others will be charged in court.”

Iringe-koko, a superintendent of police, called on residents to feel free to volunteer useful information to the police that may lead to the arrest of criminal elements. (The PUNCH: Text, excluding headline)