Odita Sunday 
Delta Police Arrest Nine Suspected Cultists, Recover Two Locally Made Guns, Cartridge
By Odita Sunday
The Delta State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, has announced the arrest of nine suspected cultists in separate operations at Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime, with the recovery of two locally fabricated firearms, a live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe.
Edafe, in a statement issued on Wednesday, said operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, arrested seven suspected cultists during a search operation at premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, on September 13, 2026.
According to him, the operation 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.
The suspects 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 spokesperson said preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities, while also making statements concerning their alleged involvement in internet fraud.
He added that investigation was ongoing to establish their individual roles, determine the source of the recovered firearm and uncover possible links to other criminal activities.
Edafe further disclosed that operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division had on September 12, 2026, responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village.
He said the divisional patrol team was immediately deployed, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both from Issele-Ikpitime Village.
According to him, the operatives recovered one locally made cut-to-size gun during the operation and rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury in the attack.
The victim was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment, while efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang, the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, directed that the sources of the recovered firearms and other persons connected to the suspects be identified.
Erale also warned against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms, assuring residents that the Command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across the state.
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