Delta Police arrest six suspected cultists, recover four firearms, six cartridges

Crime Diary

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in intelligence-led operations targeting suspected kidnappers and cultists in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas of the state.

The operations resulted in the recovery of four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, suspected illicit drugs and military camouflage uniforms.

The command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, said two suspects were arrested in Alisheme Community, Ika South LGA, while four others were arrested in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North LGA.

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SAKU arrests two suspected cultists in Ika South

On September 18, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, conducted a covert operation in Alisheme Community, Ika South LGA.

The operation led to the arrest of Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, who the police said were suspected of involvement in cultism and kidnapping-related activities.

According to the command, preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects admitted membership of the NBM Confraternity.

Police said one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop were recovered during the operation.

The suspects remain in custody while investigation continues.

Four suspected cultists arrested in Issele-Uku

On September 15, the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku Division, acting on intelligence about suspected cult activities around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku, led a combined team in a cordon-and-search operation.

The team comprised Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspected cultists and the recovery of two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges.

The police said investigation into the case was ongoing.

Police intercept vehicle carrying suspected illicit drugs, military items

Also on September 18, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, intercepted a Toyota Sienna allegedly conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements.

The police said they had received intelligence that the vehicle was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State and mounted surveillance along the anticipated route.

At about 4:50 a.m., operatives intercepted a green Toyota Sienna with registration number KP 527 AAA, driven by Isaac Urji, 45, from Abia State.

A search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of cartons containing suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.

Urji was arrested, while investigation has commenced to trace the source and intended destination of the items and identify other persons allegedly connected with the consignment.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reiterated the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the state.

Erale urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to the police, assuring them that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.