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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
Operatives of Quick Response Squad (QRS) of the Delta State Police Command, have arrested 13 suspected members of a notorious cult group, Aiye confraternity, also known as Black Axe, during a tactical operation at Ekraka community forest, Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government.
The suspects were planning an initiation ceremony within the forest, when the commander QRS, SP Collins Achem, swiftly activated operational assets to forestall the criminal gathering.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Bright Edafe in a statement on Tuesday, said that the arrest followed credible intelligence received on December 20,2025.
He said that the QRS Commander led a team of highly trained operatives to the identified location.
According to him, on sighting the patrol team, the suspects engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
The operatives responded with professionalism and tactical superiority, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others fled deeper into the forest.
He said that a search of the area resulted in the recovery of two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel short gun, one single-barrel short gun, one battle axe, aprons bearing “NBM” insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, several mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs.
In addition, seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group were recovered and towed to the QRS Base in Warri.
Edafe said that the suspects were in custody, while investigations have commenced to establish their individual roles, dismantle the network, and track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
He expressed the command zero tolerance for cultism and violent crime,while calling on parents, schools, community and faith leaders, and youths to see the fight against cultism as a shared duty, driven by guidance, positive role models, and timely reporting.
He, however, urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue supporting the police with credible information as efforts to keep Delta State safe continue.
