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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspected cultists and recovered an 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.
The operations, according to the command, were carried out in Ughelli North and Ethiope East Local Government Areas.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, in a statement yesterday, said operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in a bush around Uduere Community, Ughelli North LGA, on October 4.
Edafe said the suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
He said the suspects, unable to withstand the superior firepower of the police, fled the scene, abandoning their weapons and other items.
According to him, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, a knife, a cutlass and a mobile phone.
He said a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects.
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In a separate operation the following day, October 5, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), acting on credible intelligence about suspected cult activities in Kokori Community, Ethiope East LGA, stormed a location along Ekrakra Road, Kokori, where members of the Black Axe confraternity were allegedly holding a meeting.
Edafe said the suspects fled in different directions on sighting the operatives, but three of them were arrested.
The suspects were identified as Uzubu Ufuoma, 33; Solomon Ovie, 27; and Remember Emuere, 31.
He said preliminary investigation led the operatives to an abandoned building at Okodjerhe Village, Kokori, where one automatic pump-action gun, allegedly belonging to the group, was recovered.
The three suspects, according to the PPRO, are currently in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the group.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, warned kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal elements that the command would continue to identify and raid their hideouts, disrupt their activities and bring them to justice.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the police with credible information on suspicious persons and activities in their communities.
