The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected cultists in an intelligence-led operations targeting suspected kidnappers and cultists in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas. The operations led to the recovery of four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, illicit drugs and military camouflages.
1. SAKU ARRESTS TWO SUSPECTED CULTISTS, RECOVERS ONE LOCALLY FABRICATED GUN, BATTLE AXE, OTHER EXHIBITS
On 18th September 2026, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a covert operation at Alisheme Community, Ika South LGA, which led to the arrest of Destiny Okafor ‘m’, aged 18 years, and Sunday Bryan ‘m’, aged 22 years, both suspected of involvement in cultism and kidnapping related activities. During preliminary investigation, the suspects disclosed their membership of the NBM Confraternity. Exhibits recovered during the operation include one locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop. The suspects are in custody while investigation continues.
2. OPERATIVES OF ISSELE-UKU DIVISION ARREST FOUR SUSPECTED CULTISTS, RECOVER TWO LOCALLY MADE PISTOLS, PUMP-ACTION GUN, SIX LIVE CARTRIDGES
On 15th September 2026, the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku Division, acting on credible intelligence that suspected cultists were operating around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku, mobilised and led a combined team comprising Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives in a cordon-and-search operation. The operation led to the arrest of four suspected cultists and recovery of two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges. Investigation is ongoing.
3. POLICE INTERCEPTS VEHICLE CONVEYING CARTONS OF SUSPECTED ILLICIT DRUGS, MILITARY ACCOUTREMENTS
On 18th September 2026, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, acting on credible intelligence that a Sienna vehicle conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State, mounted surveillance along the anticipated route. At about 0450hrs, the operatives intercepted a green Toyota Sienna with registration number KP 527 AAA, driven by Isaac Urji ‘m’, aged 45 years, of Abia State. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of cartons of suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats. The suspect was arrested, while investigation has 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, psc, mnips, reiterated the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the State. He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to the Police, assuring that such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA
19th September, 2026
