The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during coordinated intelligence-led operations across four local government areas of the state.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cult members and recovered five firearms in a series of coordinated operations targeting cult-related activities across Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas.
The arrests were carried out on October 15 by operatives of the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU), following a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, to intensify intelligence-led operations against cultism across the state.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
According to the statement, the largest operation took place in Asaba, where police operatives raided a hotel along Abraka Road following intelligence that suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger, had gathered for an alleged cult anniversary celebration.
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The combined team of operatives from the Department of Operations, RRS Asaba Sector and CACU Asaba Sector arrested 67 suspects, comprising 55 males and 12 females.
Items recovered during the operation included two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two jackets branded with suspected cult symbols.
In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the RRS Agbor Sector arrested 15 additional suspects, comprising 14 males and one female. Items suspected to be linked to the same confraternity were also recovered.
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The police extended the crackdown to Jeremy Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area after receiving intelligence about a gathering of suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
Operatives of CACU, Ovwian-Aladja Sector, working alongside a civilian anti-cult group, raided a suspected criminal hideout and arrested three individuals identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24. Other suspects reportedly fled the scene.
The operation resulted in the recovery of two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms.
Meanwhile, another operation in Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area, led to the arrest of 10 additional male suspects in connection with suspected cult activities.
In total, the coordinated operations resulted in the arrest of 95 suspects and the recovery of five firearms, comprising two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun and two locally made pistols.
The police also recovered 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges, alongside other items suspected to be associated with cult activities.
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SP Edafe stated that the suspects and recovered exhibits were in police custody, while investigations into the cases were ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives involved in the operations and directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to sustain and intensify the campaign against cult groups across Delta State.
He warned that the command would not tolerate cult-related activities capable of threatening public peace and security.
The police also urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by providing credible information that could assist in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in cultism and other criminal activities.
The latest arrests underscore the Delta State Police Command’s ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and strengthen security across communities in the state. Further details on the investigation and possible prosecution of the suspects are expected as the police continue their inquiries.
All individuals arrested remain suspects, and their guilt has not been established by a court of law.
