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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Delta State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in its sustained fight against cultism and violent crime with the
Operatives of Quick Response Squad (QRS) of the Delta State Police Command, have arrested thirteen 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 Area.
The suspects were planning an initiation ceremony within the forest, when the commander Quick Response Squad (QRS), SP Collins Achem, swiftly activated operational assets to forestall the criminal gathering.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said that the arrest followed credible intelligence received on 20th December 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.
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The operatives responded with professionalism and tactical superiority, leading to the arrest of thirteen 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 cut-to-size gun, one single-barrel cut-to-size 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 are currently 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.
The police spokesman however urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue supporting the Police with credible information as efforts to keep Delta State safe continue.
