The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cult-related activities across the state, arresting 32 suspected cultists and recovering firearms, ammunition, communication equipment and illicit drugs in separate intelligence-led operations.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU) as part of ongoing efforts to combat cultism and violent crime in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command disclosed that 25 suspected cultists were arrested during a raid on a suspected cult initiation ground in Agbarho.
According to the statement, the operation was launched in the early hours of June 16, 2026, following credible intelligence indicating that members of the Eiye Confraternity, allegedly linked to recent cult-related killings in Agbor, were planning further violent attacks and the initiation of new members.
The police said operatives stormed the location but came under gunfire from some of the suspects upon arrival.
The officers responded professionally, leading to an exchange during which two suspects sustained gunshot injuries.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 25 suspects, while several others reportedly escaped.
Items recovered from the scene included one pump-action shotgun and one cut-to-size firearm.
The injured suspects are currently receiving medical treatment, while investigations have commenced to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
In a related operation, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit raided a suspected criminal hideout in Azagba-Ogwashi on June 14, 2026, based on actionable intelligence.
The raid led to the arrest of seven suspected cultists identified as Obore Ndubrisi, 26; Okafor Okene, 25; Odinigie Sunday, 26; Okohur Destiny, 21; Felix Abraham, 25; Aputa Israel, 27; and Okolie Chinonso Peter, 24.
Recovered exhibits included one double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Tramadol, as well as a walkie-talkie.
Police authorities said the suspects and exhibits remain in custody as profiling and further investigations continue.
Commending the operatives involved in the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised their courage and professionalism in confronting criminal elements.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against cultism, violent crime and other forms of criminality across Delta State.
The police commissioner also assured residents that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to ensure the safety of lives and property throughout the state.
