By Reen Chidi
ASABA — The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate operations at Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime communities, recovering two locally fabricated firearms, a live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe.
The Command said the operations were carried out on September 12 and 13, 2026, by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, and personnel of the Onicha-Olona Police Division.
Seven Arrested In Obiaruku
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on September 16, SAKU operatives, acting on intelligence, executed a search warrant at a premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, on September 13.
The search reportedly led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer.
Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the operation. They were identified as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.
The police said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and also made statements concerning alleged involvement in internet fraud.
The Command, however, said investigations were ongoing to establish the individual roles of the suspects, determine the source of the recovered firearm and ascertain whether they were linked to other criminal activities.
Two Arrested After Cult Attack
In a separate incident, police operatives attached to the Onicha-Olona Division responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village on September 12.
The Divisional patrol team was deployed to the area, resulting in the arrest of two suspects identified as Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both from Issele-Ikpitime Village.
Police said one locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered during the operation.
The operatives also rescued a man who reportedly sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and rushed him to a hospital for medical treatment.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons allegedly involved in the attack.
CP Orders Further Investigation
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, directed investigators to trace the sources of the recovered firearms and identify other persons allegedly connected with the suspects.
Erale also warned against cult-related violence and the illegal possession of firearms, stressing that the Command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across the state.
The latest arrests bring to nine the number of suspects detained in the two operations, while investigations into the cases continue.
