Delta Police Arrest 95 Suspected Cultists, Recover Five Firearms

The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms, 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges during coordinated operations across four local government areas.

The arrests were made on October 15 in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe following intelligence-led operations targeting suspected cult activities, according to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, on Friday.

In Asaba, police operatives raided a hotel along Abraka Road where suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as Aro Bagger, had reportedly gathered for an alleged cult anniversary celebration.

The operation led to the arrest of 67 suspects, comprising 55 men and 12 women. Police said they recovered two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two branded jackets.

In a separate operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, 15 additional suspects, including 14 men and one woman, were arrested over suspected links to the same confraternity.

Police also raided a suspected hideout in Jeremy Community, Ughelli South, where three suspects identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24, were arrested. Two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, suspected cult insignia and charms were reportedly recovered. Other suspects fled the scene.

Another 10 male suspects were arrested in Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area, over alleged cult activities.

The police said all the suspects and recovered items were in custody as investigations continued.

The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, commended the officers involved and directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical teams to sustain operations against cult groups across the state.

He warned that the command would not tolerate activities capable of threatening public peace and urged residents to provide credible information to assist the police in tackling cultism and related crimes.