Police Arrest 6 Suspected Cultists, Recover 4 Guns, Drugs In Delta

The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of the state, recovering four firearms, ammunition and other weapons.

The operations also led to the seizure of suspected illicit drugs, military camouflage uniforms, boots and other items.

The command said two of the suspects were arrested by officers of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) in Ubulu-Uku, during a covert operation at Alisheme Community in Ika South on September 18.

The police revealed that suspects identified as Destiny Okafor, and Sunday Bryan were linked to cultism and kidnapping.

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The command said preliminary investigation showed that the two suspects confessed to being members of the NBM Confraternity.

A locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop were recovered from them.

In a separate operation on September 15, four other suspected cultists were arrested in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area.

The police said the arrests followed intelligence indicating that suspected cultists were operating around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku.

The operation resulted in the recovery of two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges.

The command said investigation into the activities of the six suspects was ongoing.

Meanwhile, police officers also intercepted a green coloured Toyota Sienna vehicle with registration number KP 527 AAA, conveying cartons of suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements travelling from Onitsha in Anambra State towards Ondo State.

The vehicle was allegedly being driven by 45-year-old Isaac Urji, from Abia State. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of cartons of suspected tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, alongside military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.

The driver was arrested and taken into custody while investigators commenced efforts to establish the source and intended destination of the consignment and identify other persons allegedly connected to it.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, said the command would sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.

He urged residents to continue providing credible information to the police, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.