The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime, recovering two locally-fabricated guns, a live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe.
Seven of the suspects were arrested on September 13, 2026, by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, following credible intelligence on activities at premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku.
The suspects 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.
The operatives, acting on a search warrant, recovered one locally-fabricated single-barrel gun, a live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer.
The suspects allegedly admitted during preliminary interrogation that they belonged to the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and also made statements concerning alleged involvement in internet fraud.
Meanwhile, two other suspected cultists were arrested after police intervened in a cult-related attack at Issele-Ikpitime Village on September 12.
Operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division responded to the attack and arrested Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both of Issele-Ikpitime, recovering one locally-made cut-to-size gun.
The police also rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and rushed him to a hospital for treatment.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Samuel E. Erale, directed investigators to trace the sources of the recovered firearms and identify other persons linked to the suspects.
He warned against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms, assuring residents that the Command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across the state.
