The Delta State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition and other dangerous exhibits in separate intelligence-led operations across the state as part of its ongoing crackdown on cult-related crimes.
According to the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, eight suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity were arrested during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, at about 2 a.m. on July 17, 2026.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Naset (30), Ochuko Midwest (27), Samuel Oghene (29), Michael Mmadu (35), Dennis Philip (28), Goodluck Onujenya (30), Ovie Royal (25), and Divine Otemu (22), were allegedly found with three locally-fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of live ammunition of different calibres, two axes, suspected cannabis grinders and other incriminating exhibits.
Police said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to cult-related activities in the Sapele axis, adding that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover more weapons.
In a separate operation later the same day, police operatives arrested another eight suspects over the alleged attack on a male resident of Illabor Community in Ika North East Local Government Area.
Four of the suspects were identified as Ifeanyi Emeka (25), Hope Sunday (24), Francis Onyechiwalla (23) and Chinedu Joseph (25).
Police said the suspects allegedly attacked the victim with a cut-to-size gun and reportedly confessed during preliminary interrogation to being members of the Eiye Confraternity.
The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue to establish their involvement in other cult-related offences and identify additional members of the group.
Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal gangs and cult groups across the state.
He also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at improving public safety.
