The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime and recovered two locally fabricated firearms, live ammunition and suspected illicit drugs.
The arrests followed separate interventions by police operatives after intelligence and reports of cult-related activity in the two communities, according to the Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe.
In the first operation on September 13, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, SAKU, Ubulu-Uku, executed a search warrant at a premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku.
The search yielded a locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer.
Seven suspects were taken into custody. They were identified as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.
Edafe disclosed that preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted belonging to the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities. They also reportedly made statements concerning alleged involvement in internet fraud.
The police spokesperson, however, emphasised that the investigation was still at an early stage. Investigators are expected to establish the individual roles of the suspects, trace the origin of the recovered firearm and determine whether the group has links to other criminal activities.
A separate operation in Issele-Ikpitime took place after a reported cult-related attack on residents of the village on September 12.
Edafe stated that operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division promptly deployed a patrol team after receiving the report. The intervention led to the arrest of two suspects, Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both residents of Issele-Ikpitime.
A locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the pair, while a man who sustained a gunshot injury during the reported attack was rescued and taken to a hospital for treatment.
The Command said detectives were pursuing other suspects believed to have participated in the incident.
The two operations highlight the police focus on intelligence gathering, targeted searches and rapid intervention in communities affected by cult-related violence. The recovery of firearms also gives investigators material evidence to examine alongside statements obtained from the suspects.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, cautioned individuals involved in cult activities against violence and reiterated that possessing firearms without lawful authority is a serious offence.
Eralе added that the Command would continue to deploy credible intelligence, targeted operations and coordinated policing to identify and disrupt criminal elements across Delta State.
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