Delta Police Launch Statewide Security Operation to Prevent Cult Violence Ahead of ‘7/7’ Celebration

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has activated a comprehensive statewide security operation to prevent cult-related violence ahead of the annual “7/7” celebration allegedly observed by members of the Black Axe Confraternity, popularly known as Aye.

The Command said the proactive measure followed credible intelligence indicating that members of the cult group were planning to commemorate the event across parts of Delta State. According to the police, previous editions of the annual event have been linked to violent cult clashes, killings, and other criminal activities capable of disrupting public peace.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the statewide exercise aimed at preventing any breakdown of law and order.

The Commissioner also ordered all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Tactical Commanders to intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, visibility policing, and sustained raids on identified criminal hideouts, black spots, and locations suspected to be used for unlawful gatherings. Strategic patrols and deployments have also been reinforced across the state to deny criminal elements any opportunity to operate.

The Command warned that it would not tolerate any unlawful gathering or cult-related activity, stressing that anyone found participating in such acts or engaging in activities capable of threatening public peace would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

According to the statement, all security operations will be intelligence-driven, professionally executed, and carried out in strict compliance with the law while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.

CP Oyeniyi reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and support the police with credible and timely information.

He further assured residents that all information received would be treated with strict confidentiality and acted upon promptly as part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across Delta State.