The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations targeting suspected kidnappers and cult groups in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of the state.
The operations, carried out by specialised units of the command, also led to the recovery of four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, suspected illicit drugs, mobile phones, a laptop and military camouflage uniforms and accessories.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the arrests, said two suspects were apprehended during a covert operation at Alisheme Community in Ika South Local Government Area on September 18, 2026.
According to him, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acted on credible intelligence before moving into the community.
He identified the suspects as Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, saying they were suspected to be involved in cultism and kidnapping-related activities.
Edafe said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects confessed to being members of the NBM Confraternity.
Items recovered from them, he said, included a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop.
The PPRO said the suspects remained in police custody while investigation continued.
In a separate operation on September 15, 2026, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Issele-Uku Division reportedly mobilised a combined team of police anti-cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and forest security operatives following intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists around Ogboli Quarters and other parts of Issele-Uku.
The cordon-and-search operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected cultists and the recovery of two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges.
Edafe said investigation into the activities of the suspects was ongoing.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, on September 18, 2026, intercepted a Toyota Sienna allegedly conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements along the Onitsha-Ondo route.
The operation followed intelligence that the vehicle was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State.
“At about 4.50am, the operatives intercepted a green Toyota Sienna with registration number KP 527 AAA, driven by Isaac Urji, male, aged 45 years, of Abia State.
“A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of cartons of suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats. The suspect was arrested, while investigation has commenced to trace the source and intended destination of the recovered items and identify other persons connected with the consignment,” Edafe said.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reiterated the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.
Erale urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to the police, assuring residents that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
