Asaba, Delta State, July 18, 2026 — The Delta State Police Command has intensified its offensive against cultism and violent crime with the arrest of 16 suspected cultists and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and other dangerous exhibits in separate intelligence-driven operations across the state.
The Command disclosed that operatives of its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, at about 2:00 a.m. on July 17, where eight suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity were apprehended.
Those arrested were identified as Lucky Naset, Ochuko Midwest, Samuel Oghene, Michael Mmadu, Dennis Philip, Goodluck Onujenya, Ovie Royal and Divine Otemu.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of three locally fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of live ammunition of different calibres, two axes, two suspected cannabis grinders, a bottle containing a suspected illicit substance and other incriminating exhibits.
Police said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to cult-related activities within the Sapele axis, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
In a separate operation later the same day, operatives arrested another eight suspects in connection with the alleged attack on a male resident of Illabor Community in Ika North East Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Ifeanyi Emeka, Hope Sunday, Francis Onyechiwalla and Chinedu Joseph, were arrested following intelligence gathered on the incident, while police said investigations were continuing to identify and apprehend other members of the group.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity.
They remain in police custody as detectives broaden investigations to establish their involvement in other cult-related offences.
Commending the operatives for the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to dismantle criminal gangs and eradicate cult-related violence across the state.
The Police Commissioner also appealed to residents to continue supporting law enforcement agencies with credible and timely information, assuring that intelligence-led operations would be sustained to protect lives, property and maintain public safety across Delta State.
