The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms, 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges in coordinated operations targeting cultism and related violent crimes across four local government areas of the state.
The operations, conducted on October 15, 2026, covered Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas, following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, to intensify intelligence-led efforts against criminal activities.
The police said the coordinated exercise involved operatives of the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU).
In one of the major operations, security operatives raided a hotel along Abraka Road, Asaba, following intelligence that suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger, had gathered for an alleged cult anniversary celebration.
The operation led to the arrest of 67 suspects, comprising 55 males and 12 females.
Items recovered from the premises included two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated cut-to-size firearm, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two jackets bearing suspected cult branding.
In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the RRS Agbor Sector arrested 15 additional suspects, comprising 14 males and one female. The police said items suspected to be linked to the same confraternity were also recovered.
Three Arrested in Ughelli South
In another intelligence-driven operation, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit, Ovwian-Aladja Sector, working with a civilian anti-cult group, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Jeremy Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area.
Three suspects — John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24 — were arrested, while other suspected cult members reportedly fled the scene.
The operation yielded two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms.
Meanwhile, 10 additional male suspects were arrested in a separate operation at Jeddo Community in Okpe Local Government Area over suspected cult-related activities.
The police said all the suspects and recovered exhibits were in custody, while investigations were ongoing.
CP Warns Cult Groups
Commending the operatives for their efforts, CP Erale directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders across the state to sustain and intensify operations against cult groups and other criminal elements.
He warned that the Command would not tolerate activities capable of undermining public peace and security, urging residents to support law enforcement agencies with credible and timely information.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the operations in a press release issued in Asaba on October 16, 2026.
The latest arrests underscore the Command’s stated resolve to disrupt suspected cult networks and prevent cult-related violence across Delta State.
