The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas, recovering four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, illicit drugs and military camouflage uniforms.
The arrests were made during operations targeting suspected cultists and kidnappers in different parts of the state, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
On September 18, 2026, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a covert operation at Alisheme Community in Ika South LGA.
The operation led to the arrest of Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, who are suspected of involvement in cultism and kidnapping-related activities.
The suspects, according to the police, disclosed during preliminary investigation that they were members of the NBM Confraternity. Recovered from them were a locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop.
The suspects remain in police custody while investigation continues.
In another operation on September 15, the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku Division, acting on intelligence about suspected cultist activities around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku, led a combined team of Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives in a cordon-and-search operation.
The 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.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, intercepted a Toyota Sienna conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements.
The police said the operatives, acting on intelligence that the vehicle was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State, mounted surveillance along the anticipated route and intercepted the green Sienna, with registration number KP 527 AAA, at about 4:50 a.m. on September 18.
The driver, Isaac Urji, 45, of Abia State, was arrested after a search of the vehicle led to the recovery of cartons of suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.
The police said investigation had commenced to trace the source and intended destination of the recovered items and identify other persons connected with the consignment.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reiterated the command’s determination to sustain 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.