The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms, 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges in coordinated operations across four local government areas of the state.

The operations, conducted on October 15, 2026, followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, to intensify intelligence-led operations against cultism and related violent crimes.

The arrests involved operatives of the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU) across Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, the operation led to the recovery of two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun and two locally made pistols.

The police also recovered cult-related items, including caps bearing suspected cult insignia, branded jackets and suspected charms.

Edafe said the operation in Asaba followed credible intelligence that suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger, had gathered at a hotel along Abraka Road for an alleged cult anniversary celebration.

He said a combined team of operatives from the Department of Operations, RRS Asaba Sector and CACU Asaba Sector raided the premises and arrested 67 suspects, comprising 55 males and 12 females.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the operatives recovered two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges and five expended cartridges during the raid.

Other items recovered at the scene included 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two jackets branded with suspected cult symbols.

In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the RRS Agbor Sector arrested 15 additional suspects, comprising 14 males and one female, over suspected links to the same confraternity.

Edafe further disclosed that three suspected cultists were arrested at Jeremy Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area following intelligence about a gathering of suspected SVC members.

He said operatives of the CACU Ovwian-Aladja Sector, working with a civilian anti-cult group, raided a suspected criminal hideout and arrested three men identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24.

According to him, other suspects fled during the operation.

The police recovered two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms.

In another operation at Jeddo Community in Okpe Local Government Area, 10 additional male suspects were arrested in connection with suspected cult activities.

The police said all the suspects and recovered exhibits were in custody, while investigations were ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their efforts and directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to intensify operations against cult groups across Delta State.

Erale warned that the command would not tolerate cult-related activities capable of threatening public peace and security.

He also urged residents to support the police with credible information that could assist in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.