Police Arrest Six Suspected Cultists, Recover Four Firearms in Delta

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 in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas, recovering four firearms, six live cartridges and other weapons.

The operations, which were carried out as part of efforts to tackle cultism, kidnapping and the proliferation of illegal firearms, also led to the recovery of a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop.

The command said the arrests followed intelligence gathering and targeted operations by its anti-cultism and anti-kidnapping personnel.

In one of the operations conducted on September 18, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, moved into Alisheme Community in Ika South LGA following intelligence on suspected criminal activities.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22.

The police said preliminary investigation linked the two suspects to suspected cultism and kidnapping-related activities, adding that the suspects reportedly disclosed their membership of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) Confraternity, also known as Black Axe.

One locally fabricated single-barrel gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop were reportedly recovered during the operation.

The command said further investigation was ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the suspects’ alleged activities and determine whether other individuals were connected to them.

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In a separate operation on September 15, operatives of the Issele-Uku Police Division arrested four other suspected cultists following intelligence about suspected cult activities around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku in Aniocha North LGA.

The Divisional Police Officer reportedly mobilised a joint team comprising police anti-cult personnel, local vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives to conduct a cordon-and-search operation in the area.

Four suspects were arrested during the operation, while the security team recovered two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges.

The police said the investigation was continuing.

The command also reported a separate operation by the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, which resulted in the interception of a vehicle allegedly conveying suspected illicit drugs and military camouflage items.

According to the police, operatives received intelligence that a vehicle travelling from Onitsha in Anambra State towards Ondo State was allegedly carrying illicit substances and military-related clothing.

At about 4:50am on September 18, the team intercepted a green Toyota Sienna, with registration number KP 527 AAA, along the route.

The vehicle was being driven by Isaac Urji, 45, from Abia State, who was arrested.

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

The police said investigation had commenced to determine the source and intended destination of the items and identify other persons who may be connected with the consignment.

The command made clear that the vehicle interception was a separate operation from the arrests of the six suspected cultists.

The latest operations form part of the Delta Police Command’s security operations against cultism, kidnapping, drug-related offences and other criminal activities across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, said the command would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing violent crime.

He also appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist the police in identifying suspected criminal activities and locating wanted persons.

The police said information supplied by members of the public would be treated with confidentiality.

The six people arrested in connection with the alleged cult activities remain suspects, and the allegations against them have not been established by a court.

Police Arrest Six Suspected Cultists, Recover Four Firearms in Delta