Police Arrests Suspected Cultists In Delta
Nine suspected cult members have been arrested in separate operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime communities in Delta State, with security operatives recovering locally made firearms, ammunition, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe.
The arrests followed two separate operations carried out on September 12 and 13 as police intensified efforts to curb cult-related violence and the circulation of illegal firearms in parts of the state.
In Obiaruku, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, acting on intelligence, carried out a search at a premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, on September 13.
The operation resulted in the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, a live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop.
Seven people were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.
Police said preliminary questioning indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted belonging to the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and also made statements concerning alleged involvement in internet fraud.
The second operation took place on September 12 in Issele-Ikpitime Village, where residents had reportedly been attacked in a suspected cult-related incident.
Following the report, a patrol team from the Onicha-Olona Division was deployed to the community. Two suspects, Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both residents of Issele-Ikpitime, were arrested.
A locally fabricated cut-to-size firearm was recovered from them.
The police team also found a man who had sustained a gunshot injury during the reported attack and rushed him to a hospital for medical attention.
Investigators are now working to identify and apprehend other members of the group believed to have been involved in the incident.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, directed investigators to trace the sources of the recovered weapons and establish the identities of other people allegedly connected to the suspects.
He also warned against cult-related violence and possession of illegal firearms, while urging residents to continue providing credible information that could help security agencies prevent attacks and disrupt criminal networks.
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