By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations targeting suspected kidnappers and cult-related activities in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of the state.
The operations, according to the Command, resulted in the recovery of four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, a laptop and other suspected criminal exhibits.
The Command disclosed this in a statement, saying the arrests were carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), the Issele-Uku Divisional Police and the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU).
Two suspects arrested in Ika South
The police said operatives of SAKU, Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a covert operation at Alisheme Community in Ika South Local Government Area on September 18, 2026.
During the operation, two suspects identified as Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, were arrested for alleged involvement in cultism and kidnapping-related activities.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects claimed membership of the NBM Confraternity.
Items allegedly recovered from them included a locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigation continues, the Command said.
In a separate operation conducted on September 15, 2026, the Divisional Police Officer of Issele-Uku Division reportedly mobilised a combined team of Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives following intelligence on suspected cult activities around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku.
The resulting cordon-and-search operation led to the arrest of four suspected cultists, according to the police.
The Command said operatives recovered two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges during the operation.
The four suspects are currently assisting the police with investigations.
Police intercept vehicle carrying suspected illicit drugs.
The Command also disclosed that its Anti-Cult Unit, Asaba, intercepted a vehicle on September 18 while acting on intelligence concerning suspected criminal activities.
The police said the vehicle was allegedly conveying cartons containing suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements.
The Command said investigation into the circumstances surrounding the interception was ongoing.
The Delta State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, urging residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
The police also assured members of the public that intelligence received would be treated with confidentiality and used to strengthen security operations across the state.
