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By Akpati Ezekiel and Purity Francis
The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate operations at Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime, recovering two locally made guns, a live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe.
The suspects were arrested during operations carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, and the Onicha-Olona Divisional Police Station.
In a statement yesterday, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives of SAKU, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant at premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, on September 13, 2026.
Edafe said the search led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer.
He said seven suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.
They are Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.
According to the police spokesman, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements concerning their alleged involvement in internet fraud.
He said investigation was ongoing to establish their individual roles, determine the source of the recovered firearm and ascertain their possible links to other criminal activities.
Edafe also said that on September 12, operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village.
He said the Divisional patrol team was immediately deployed to the area, leading to the arrest of Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both of Issele-Ikpitime Village.
One locally made short gun was recovered from the suspects.
The police spokesman added that the operatives rescued a man who sustained gunshot injuries during the attack and evacuated him to a hospital for treatment.
He said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Samuel E. Erale, directed the operatives to identify the sources of the recovered firearms and apprehend other persons connected with the suspects.
Erale warned against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms, assuring residents that the command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across the state.
