The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists and one alleged drug courier in separate intelligence-led operations targeting kidnappers and cultists in Ika South and Aniocha North Local Government Areas.
Items recovered during the operations include four firearms, six live cartridges, a battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones, illicit drugs and military camouflage uniforms.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba on Saturday.
According to the statement, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, carried out a covert operation on September 18, 2026, at Alisheme Community in Ika South Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of two suspects, Destiny Okafor, 18, and Sunday Bryan, 22, who are suspected to be involved in cultism and kidnapping-related activities.
During preliminary investigation, the suspects reportedly disclosed that they belong to the NBM Confraternity.
Police recovered one locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one battle axe, two cutlasses, mobile phones and a laptop from them. The suspects remain in custody as investigation continues.
In a separate operation on September 15, 2026, the Divisional Police Officer, Issele-Uku Division, acting on credible intelligence that suspected cultists were operating around Ogboli Quarter and other parts of Issele-Uku, led a combined team in a cordon-and-search operation.
The team comprised Police Anti-Cult personnel, vigilantes, hunters and Forest Security operatives.
Four suspected cultists were arrested, and two locally made pistols, one pump-action gun and six live cartridges were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, on September 18, 2026, acted on intelligence that a Sienna vehicle conveying suspected illicit drugs and military accoutrements was travelling from Onitsha towards Ondo State.
The operatives mounted surveillance along the anticipated route and, at about 4:50 a.m., intercepted a green Toyota Sienna with registration number KP 527 AAA. The driver, Isaac Urji, 45, from Abia State, was arrested.
A search of the vehicle reportedly yielded cartons of suspected Tramadol and other illicit drugs, as well as military camouflage uniforms, boots and hats.
Police said investigation has commenced to trace the source and intended destination of the items and to identify other persons connected with the consignment.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, 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 keep providing credible information to the police, assuring them that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
