By Reen Chidi
The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspects in separate intelligence-led operations targeting suspected cultists and kidnappers in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of the state.
The operations, conducted by various units of the Command, resulted in the recovery of four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, a laptop, suspected illicit drugs and military camouflage uniforms and accessories.
SAKU Arrests Two In Ika South
According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, arrested two suspected cultists during a covert operation at Alisheme Community, Ika South LGA, on September 18.
The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Destiny Okafor and 22-year-old Sunday Bryan.
The Police said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects claimed membership of the NBM Confraternity and were suspected to be involved in cultism and kidnapping-related activities.
Recovered from the operation were a locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop.
The suspects, the Command said, remain in custody as investigation continues.
Four Suspected Cultists Arrested In Issele-Uku
In a separate operation on September 15, the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku Division, mobilised a combined team following intelligence on the activities of suspected cultists around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku.
The team comprised Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives.
The cordon-and-search operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected cultists and the recovery of two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges.
The Police said investigation into the case is ongoing.
Police Intercept Vehicle With Suspected Illicit Drugs, Military Gear
Also on September 18, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, intercepted a Toyota Sienna allegedly conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements.
The operation followed intelligence that the vehicle was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State.
At about 4:50 a.m., operatives intercepted the green Toyota Sienna, with registration number KP 527 AAA, and arrested its 45-year-old driver, identified as Isaac Urji of Abia State.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of cartons containing suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.
The suspect is in custody, while investigation is underway to establish the source and intended destination of the consignment and identify other persons allegedly connected with it.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the state.
Erale urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to the Police, assuring that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
