Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas, recovering four firearms, six live cartridges and other weapons.
The operations also led to the recovery of a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, illicit drugs and military camouflage uniforms, while police operatives intercepted a vehicle allegedly conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements.
In a statement issued on 19th September 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Bright Edafe, said the operations were carried out by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Issele-Uku Division and the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba.
At Alisheme Community, Ika South LGA, operatives of SAKU, Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence on 18th September 2026, carried out a covert operation which resulted in the arrest of Destiny Okafor ‘m’, aged 18 years, and Sunday Bryan ‘m’, aged 22 years.
The two suspects were allegedly linked to cultism and kidnapping-related activities. During preliminary investigation, they disclosed their membership of the NBM Confraternity.
Police said one locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop were recovered from the suspects, who remain in custody as investigation continues.
In a separate operation on 15th September 2026, the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku Division, acting on intelligence about the activities of suspected cultists around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku, mobilised and led a combined team of Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives in a cordon-and-search operation.
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. Police said investigation into the case is ongoing.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, intercepted a green Toyota Sienna allegedly conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements along the Onitsha-Ondo route.
The operation followed intelligence received on 18th September 2026 that the vehicle was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State. At about 0450hrs, operatives mounted surveillance along the anticipated route and intercepted the vehicle with registration number KP 527 AAA.
The driver, Isaac Urji ‘m’, aged 45 years, of Abia State, was arrested.
A search of the vehicle reportedly led to the recovery of cartons of suspected Tramadol and other suspected illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.
Police said investigation had commenced to trace the source and intended destination of the recovered items and identify other persons allegedly connected with the consignment.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, reiterated the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and the proliferation of illegal firearms across the State.
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to the Police, assuring them that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
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