Police Arrest Nine Suspected Cultists In Obiaruku, Recover Two Guns, Cartridge

The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate operations at Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime, recovering two locally fabricated guns, one live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

According to the statement, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant at premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, on September 13, 2026.

The search led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer.

Seven suspects were arrested in connection with 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.

The police said that during preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements regarding their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

The command said investigation was ongoing to establish their individual roles, the source of the recovered firearm and possible links to other criminal activities.

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In a separate operation on September 12, operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village.

The Divisional patrol team was immediately deployed, leading to the arrest of Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both of Issele-Ikpitime Village.

One locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects.

The operatives also rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and evacuated him to a hospital for treatment.

The police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, directed that the sources of the recovered firearms and other persons connected with the suspects be identified.

He warned against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms, assuring that the command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across the state.