Delta Police Foil Suspected Cult Initiation, Recover Firearms, Seven Vehicles in Orogun Forest

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has foiled a suspected cult initiation ceremony allegedly organised by members of the Black Axe Confraternity (Aye) in Orogun Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, recovering firearms, ammunition, seven vehicles and other exhibits during an intelligence-led operation.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Command’s Quick Response Squad (QRS) acted on credible intelligence in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, that suspected cult members were conducting an initiation exercise inside a forest in Orogun. On sighting the operatives, the suspects reportedly opened fire on the police but were overpowered by the officers’ superior tactical response, forcing them to flee into the adjoining forest along the Abbi–Abraka axis.

The police said a thorough search of the area led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one cut-to-size double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, two expended cartridges, seven vehicles, six mobile phones, suspected cult regalia and other personal effects abandoned by the fleeing suspects. All recovered exhibits have been taken into police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.

Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and the sustained fight against cultism and other violent crimes across the state. He also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance public safety and strengthen ongoing security operations throughout Delta State.