Police Arrest 11 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms and Ammunition in Delta

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing clampdown on cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and violent crimes, with the arrest of eleven suspected cultists and the recovery of dangerous weapons and ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The operations, carried out by tactical units of the Command between May 14 and May 15, 2026, led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol, a locally made revolver pistol, an English-made pump action gun, 40 rounds of live cartridges, and other dangerous weapons.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the first operation took place on May 14 at about 11:09 a.m., when operatives of the Buffalo Patrol Team responded to a distress call and raided a suspected cultist hideout located at Eagle Square along Okpanam Road in Asaba.

During the raid, seven male suspects and two female suspects were arrested at the location, which police identified as a hideout for cult-related activities. Security operatives recovered one Beretta pistol, a battle axe, and a cutlass from the suspects.

The arrested persons and recovered exhibits have since been transferred to the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation.

In another operation on the same day at about 9:00 a.m., operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol Team intercepted a Lexus Jeep with registration number KWL 139 CY during a routine stop-and-search exercise along the Ughelli–Patani Road.

The vehicle, driven by one Felix Ike, was thoroughly searched, leading to the recovery of an English-made pump action gun and forty rounds of live cartridges concealed inside the vehicle. The suspect was immediately taken into custody, while investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Similarly, on May 15 at about 12:30 p.m., operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit acting on credible intelligence arrested one Christopher Ogidigbo, 28, of Ogharaefe Town in Ethiope West Local Government Area.

Police identified the suspect as a suspected kingpin of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC). During the operation, officers recovered one locally made revolver pistol from him.

The Command disclosed that investigations are ongoing to determine the suspect’s possible involvement in other criminal activities within and outside the state.

Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers for their professionalism, swift response, and dedication to duty.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against cultism, illegal arms possession, and other criminal activities threatening public peace and security in the state.

The police also urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful and timely information that could assist in crime prevention and the arrest of criminal elements operating within their communities.