The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists over acts of possession of firearms and other criminal activities.
The suspects were arrested during separate crackdown operations by police operatives after which two locally made guns, other ammunition and illicit substances were recovered from them
The Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) in Ubulu-Uku and Onicha-Olona Division held the enforcement following credible intelligence and a reported cult-related attack.
The SAKU officers informed that on September 13, 2026, a search was executed along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, where they recovered a locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer from suspects identified as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28, all arrested during the operation.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and reportedly made statements concerning their alleged involvement in internet fraud.
In another operation carried out on September 12, the operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village, where a patrol team was immediately deployed to the area.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village, while a locally made cut-to-size gun was also recovered.
The police operatives also rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and immediately evacuated him to a hospital for medical treatment.
Confirming the arrests on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said investigations are ongoing to establish the individual roles of the suspects, trace the sources of the recovered firearms and determine their possible links to other criminal activities.
Edafe added that efforts were also ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang connected to the attack.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, directed investigators to trace the sources of the recovered firearms and identify other persons connected with the suspects.
Eralе warned against cult-related violence and the illegal possession of firearms, assuring residents that the Command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across the state.