Police arrest suspected cultists, recover ammunition in Delta

In Delta State, the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Police Command arrested nine suspected cultists in two separate operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime. Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, revealed that they recovered a locally-made single-barrelled gun, a cut-to-size gun, a live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones, and a laptop computer.

The suspects, including Wisdom Enede, Ocheli Solomon, Nnaji Godstime, and Izu Thankgod, among others, admitted to being members of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and were involved in internet fraud. The investigation is underway to establish their roles, the origin of the recovered firearm, and potential links to other criminal activities.

On September 12, 2026, the Onicha-Olona Police Division responded to a cult-related attack in Issele-Ikpitime village, arresting two suspects, Emmanuel Believe and Israel Nwaobi, and recovering a cut-to-size gun. They also rescued an injured man and transferred him to the hospital for treatment. The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, directed the identification of the sources of the recovered firearms and other individuals associated with the suspects, warning against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms.