The Delta State Police Command, through intelligence-led operations, foiled a planned cult attack and dismantled armed robbery networks in Warri, Ughelli and Sapele, leading to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of three firearms and twenty-seven live cartridges.
1. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER AND RECOVERY OF PUMP-ACTION GUN AND TWO LIVE CARTRIDGES
On 27 February 2026 at about 23:35 hours, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, stormed the Ekredjebor area of Ughelli and arrested one Oghenemaro Festus of the Upper Agbarho area.
Upon searching him, the operatives recovered one pump-action gun loaded with two live cartridges. The suspect is strongly linked to a series of house-to-house robberies that have caused concern among residents of the area, and the team has intensified efforts to track down other members of the gang currently at large.
2. ARREST OF SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBER AND RECOVERY OF ONE FABRICATED PISTOL WITH EIGHT ROUNDS OF LIVE AMMUNITION
Following persistent complaints by residents of Sapele concerning serial robberies carried out by a motorcycle-riding syndicate, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, carried out a targeted operation in the early hours of 1 March 2026. At about 0335hrs, one Prince Omanure, also known as Anini, aged 21 years, of the Ghana Area of Sapele, was arrested. During interrogation, the suspect led operatives to a bush along the Warri and Sapele Road by the Trailer Park, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition had been hidden. The suspect has provided useful information to investigators, and the Command is actively pursuing other members of the syndicate.
3. ARREST OF SUSPECTED CULTISTS AND RECOVERY OF ONE CUT-TO-SIZE LOCALLY FABRICATED DOUBLE-BARREL GUN AND SEVENTEEN LIVE CARTRIDGES
In a separate intelligence-led operation, on 27 February 2026 at about 0914hrs, acting on credible intelligence that members of a notorious cult group were assembling to launch attacks on innocent residents within Warri and its environs, operatives of Quick Response Squad, led by SP Achem Collins, in a sting operation, raided a building located at Okwagbe Street, Igbudu, Warri, where the unlawful gathering was taking place. On sighting the Police, several suspects fled the scene in a desperate attempt to evade arrest. However, three suspects were arrested, namely Nelson Mudiagha, also known as Diara, Efe Nyore and Ebube Ifeanyi.
A meticulous search of the premises resulted in the recovery of a cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun and seventeen live cartridges carefully concealed within the building.
The suspects confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity, also known as Ayes. Investigation is ongoing, while efforts are in top gear to apprehend other fleeing members and ensure they are brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, assures the public that the safety and security of law-abiding citizens remain the Command’s top priority. He reiterated that the Delta State Police Command remains resolute and uncompromising in its determination to dismantle cult groups, armed robbery syndicates and all forms of violent criminal networks operating within the State.
