Police Rescue Kidnapped Woman In Oghara, Arrest 54 Suspected Cultists In Eku, Obiaruku

The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 48-year-old kidnapped woman and arrested 54 suspected cultists in separate operations across the state.

The command also recovered a locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge and suspected cannabis.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the kidnapped woman was rescued on September 23, 2026, after operatives of Oghara Division, the Quick Response Squad, vigilantes and hunters stormed Ovade Forest following a distress call.

The police team reportedly engaged about four suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, forcing them to retreat and abandon the victim, who was rescued unhurt.

The operatives pursued the fleeing suspects, during which an unidentified suspect was found lifeless, while another suspect, identified as Abubakhar Sani, was apprehended with gunshot injuries.

The two suspects were later confirmed dead at a hospital.

A dagger, NIN slip, OPay Verve card, Tecno mobile phone and other personal effects were recovered during the operation.

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The victim, according to the police, is stable and undergoing debriefing, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects.

In another operation on September 19, operatives of Abraka Division, supported by the State Intelligence Department and local vigilantes, arrested 30 suspected cultists at an alleged cult initiation gathering in Eku.

The suspects comprised 29 males and one female.

The police added that preliminary investigation indicated that the gathering was allegedly connected with the initiation of new members into the Black Axe Confraternity.

The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Command Anti-Cult Unit, Sector 2, Ozoro, for further investigation.

Based on intelligence gathered from the investigation, CACU operatives arrested 20 additional suspects in Obiaruku on September 20 over alleged cult-related activities.

The suspects comprised 15 males and five females, while investigation is ongoing to establish their individual involvement.

Also on September 20, four male suspected cultists were arrested in Ubulu-Uku in connection with a suspected cult-related killing.

The suspects, identified as Okwudili Ozah, 34; Chekwube Onwuka, 18; Onyebe Emmanuel, 19; and Ozoremenem Izuchukwu, 21, were handed over to CACU, Asaba, for further investigation.

The police said the suspects were suspected members of the Supreme Vikings and Eiye confraternities.

A locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge and a quantity of substance suspected to be cannabis were recovered during the operation.

The victim was taken to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead, while his remains were deposited at a mortuary for autopsy.

The police said investigation was ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and the individual involvement of the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, commended the operatives and other security stakeholders involved in the operations.

He reiterated the command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, warning criminal elements to desist or face the law.

He assured residents that the command would continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally held weapons and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.