Odita Sunday 
Delta Police Foil Cult Attack, Smash Armed Robbery Rings, Recover Firearms And Ammunition
In a sweeping intelligence-led crackdown, the Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned cult attack and dismantled armed robbery networks terrorising parts of the state, arresting key suspects and recovering multiple firearms and live ammunition across Warri, Ughelli and Sapele.
The coordinated operations, carried out by tactical teams of the Command, led to the seizure of a pump-action gun, a locally fabricated double-barrel gun cut to size, a fabricated Beretta pistol and 27 rounds of live cartridges, in what authorities describe as a decisive blow against violent crime in the state.
On February 27, 2026, at about 11:35 p.m., operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed the Ekredjebor area of Ughelli, arresting Oghenemaro Festus of Upper Agbarho.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a pump-action gun loaded with two live cartridges.
Police Public Relations Officer Delta State Command, SP. Bright Edafe said the suspect is strongly linked to a series of house-to-house robberies that had heightened fears among residents.
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Acting on persistent complaints from residents over serial robberies carried out by a motorcycle-riding syndicate in Sapele, the CP-Special Assignment Team launched a targeted early morning operation on March 1, 2026.
At about 3:35 a.m., Prince Omanure, popularly known as “Anini,” aged 21, was arrested in the Ghana Area of Sapele. During interrogation, he led operatives to a bush along the Warri-Sapele Road near the Trailer Park, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition had been hidden.
Investigators say the suspect has provided useful intelligence, while manhunt efforts have intensified to capture other members of the syndicate.
In a separate sting operation on February 27, 2026, at about 9:14 a.m., operatives of the Quick Response Squad, led by SP Achem Collins, acted on credible intelligence that members of a notorious cult group were mobilising to launch attacks on residents in Warri.
The team raided a building on Okwagbe Street, Igbudu, Warri, where the gathering was taking place. Although several suspects fled on sighting the police, three individuals Nelson Mudiagha (aka Diara), Efe Nyore and Ebube Ifeanyi were apprehended.
A thorough search of the premises resulted in the recovery of a cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun and 17 live cartridges concealed within the building. The suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity, also known as Ayes.
Investigations are ongoing, with police intensifying efforts to arrest fleeing members.
The Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, reaffirmed that the safety of law-abiding citizens remains the Command’s top priority, stressing that the Command will remain relentless in dismantling cult groups, armed robbery syndicates and other violent criminal networks operating across the state.
SP Edafe, said the operations underscore the Command’s unwavering resolve to sustain pressure on criminal elements and restore lasting peace in Delta State.
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