Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected cultists, including an alleged cult leader, and recovered firearms, ammunition and illicit drugs in a series of operations across the state.
The arrests, which took place between April 11 and 12, 2026, are part of what the police described as ongoing efforts to clamp down on cultism and violent crimes.
In one of the operations, police officers attached to Delta Shield intercepted a 32-year-old suspect, Peter Onajite, in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area.
A search conducted on him reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made double-barreled cut-to-size pistol, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and sachets of suspected tramadol.
According to the police, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to being the leader of the notorious Juris Confraternity, a cult group linked to violent activities in parts of the state.
He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
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In a separate operation on April 12, police officers attached to the Ibusa Police Division, foiled a suspected cult initiation ceremony along Jordan Road in Ibusa, following intelligence reports.
Three suspects, including a female, were arrested at the scene, while another suspect identified as Chinedu Onyeama reportedly fled and is currently at large.
Items recovered from the location include an English-made Beretta pistol loaded with one round of live ammunition, three battle axes, a hammer, a cutlass, and 39 firelighters, suggesting preparations for a violent initiation ritual.
Police authorities said the suspects are in custody, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for what he described as their swift response and professionalism.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing, warning that security agencies would sustain the crackdown on cult groups and other criminal networks operating in the state.
