Police Arrest Six Suspected Cultists, Recover Four Firearms In Delta

The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations targeting cultism and kidnapping activities in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of the state.

The operations also led to the recovery of four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, a laptop, suspected illicit drugs and military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.

The command disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, September 19, by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in Asaba.

“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,” the statement reads.

According to the statement, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a covert operation at Alisheme Community in Ika South Local Government Area on September 18.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 18-year-old Destiny Okafor and 22-year-old Sunday Bryan, who the police said were suspected to be involved in cultism and kidnapping-related activities.

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During preliminary investigations, the suspects reportedly disclosed their membership of the NBM Confraternity.

The police said one locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop were recovered from the suspects.

The statement said the two suspects remained in custody while investigation continued.

In a separate operation, four other suspected cultists were arrested by operatives of the Issele-Uku Division on September 15.

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

The Divisional Police Officer mobilised a combined team comprising Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives for a cordon-and-search operation.

Two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges were recovered during the operation, according to the command.

The police said investigation into the case was ongoing.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, intercepted a Toyota Sienna allegedly conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements.

The command said the operation followed intelligence that the vehicle was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State.

At about 4:50 a.m. on September 18, the operatives intercepted a green Toyota Sienna driven by 45-year-old Isaac Urji of Abia State.

A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of cartons of suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.

The driver was arrested, while investigation has commenced to establish the source and intended destination of the items and identify other persons allegedly 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.

He urged residents to continue providing credible information to the police, assuring that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

“Such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” Erale said.