Police operations across four local government areas lead to arrests, ammunition recovery and seizure of suspected cult insignia.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during coordinated operations across four local government areas of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operations were carried out on October 15 by operatives of the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU).
The exercise covered Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas as part of efforts to tackle cult-related activities in the state.
67 Suspects Arrested in Asaba
In Asaba, police operatives reportedly raided a hotel along Abraka Road following intelligence that suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, 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 included two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated cut-to-size firearm, ammunition, caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two jackets associated with the group.
More Arrests in Three LGAs
In a separate operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, RRS operatives arrested 15 additional suspects over alleged links to the same confraternity.
At Jeremy Community in Ughelli South, three suspects were arrested during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout. Police identified them as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24. Other suspected members reportedly fled the scene.
The operation led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, ammunition, caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms.
In Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area, another 10 male suspects were arrested in connection with alleged cult activities.
Police Intensify Crackdown
According to the police, the operations resulted in the recovery of five firearms, 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges, alongside other suspected cult-related items.
The command said the suspects and recovered exhibits remained in police custody as investigations continued.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, commended the operatives and directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical teams to sustain the crackdown on cult-related activities across Delta State.
He also urged residents to provide credible information to the police to support efforts to maintain public peace and security.
