Delta: Police arrest 3 suspected cultists, recover guns

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested three suspected cultists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, 55 rounds of live ammunition, and seven live cartridges in two separate intelligence-led operations in the state.

In a statement issued by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers, on October 4, stormed a suspected kidnappers/armed robbers’ hideout in a bush around Uduere Community, Ughelli North LGA.

Edafe said that on sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

The suspects, he said, were unable to withstand the superior firepower of the operatives and fled the scene leaving behind their weapons.

According to him, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 AK-47 magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition, 1 pump-action gun, 7 live cartridges, one knife, one cutlass and one mobile phone.

He said that a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

Operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), the following day, October 5, acting on credible intelligence on suspected cult activities in Kokori Community, Ethiope East LGA, stormed a location along Ekrakra Road, Kokori, where suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity were allegedly holding a meeting.

Edafe said that in that operation, the suspects fled in different directions on sighting the operatives, but 3 suspects, Uzubu Ufuoma, 33; Solomon Ovie, 27; and Remember Emuere, 31, were arrested.

He said that during the subsequent investigation, the suspects led operatives to an abandoned building at Okodjerhe Village, Kokori, where 1 automatic pump-action gun allegedly belonging to the group was recovered.

The suspects, he said, are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing members of the group.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, warned criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists, that the command will continue to identify their hideouts, disrupt their activities and bring them to justice.

He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the police with credible information on suspicious persons and activities within their communities.