32 Suspected Cultists Arrested As Delta Police Recover Shotguns, Cartridges, Drugs

The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on cultism and violent crime, arresting 32 suspected cultists and recovering firearms, ammunition, communication equipment, and illicit drugs in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The arrests were made by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU) during raids carried out in Agbarho and Azagba-Ogwashi.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the first operation was conducted in the early hours of June 16, 2026, when VCRU operatives stormed a suspected cult initiation ground in Agbarho following credible intelligence reports.

The police said members of the Eiye Confraternity, allegedly linked to recent cult-related killings in Agbor, were gathered at the location and were reportedly planning further acts of violence as well as the initiation of new members.

Upon arrival, the operatives came under gunfire from some of the suspects. The officers responded professionally, leading to a confrontation during which two suspects sustained gunshot injuries.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 25 suspected cultists, while several others escaped. Recovered exhibits included one pump-action shotgun and one cut-to-size firearm. The injured suspects are currently receiving medical treatment, while investigations continue.

In a related operation on June 14, 2026, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit raided a suspected criminal hideout in Azagba-Ogwashi based on actionable intelligence.

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The raid led to the arrest of seven suspected cultists identified as Obore Ndubrisi (26), Okafor Okene (25), Odinigie Sunday (26), Okohur Destiny (21), Felix Abraham (25), Aputa Israel (27), and Okolie Chinonso Peter (24).

Items recovered from the suspects included a double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, a walkie-talkie, quantities of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Tramadol, as well as other incriminating materials.

Police authorities said the suspects and exhibits remain in custody as profiling and further investigations are ongoing.

Commending the officers involved in the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised their gallantry, professionalism, and commitment to duty.

He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering determination to combat cultism, violent crime, and other criminal activities across Delta State, assuring residents that sustained efforts would continue to ensure the safety and security of lives and property.