The Delta State Police Command has arrested 32 suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition, communication gadgets and illicit drugs in separate operations across the state.
Key Highlights:
- Delta Police arrested 32 suspected cultists in separate operations.
- Firearms, ammunition, drugs and gadgets were recovered.
- 25 suspects were arrested in Agbarho during a cult raid.
- Seven others were arrested in Azagba-Ogwashi.
- Police vowed to continue tackling cultism and violent crime.
The arrests were made by officers of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU) as part of ongoing efforts to tackle cultism and violent crimes.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the VCRU on June 16 stormed a suspected cult initiation ground in Agbarho following intelligence reports that members of the Eiye Confraternity, allegedly linked to recent cult-related killings in Agbor, were planning fresh attacks and the initiation of new members.
Edafe said the operatives came under gunfire on arrival at the location, prompting a response from the police team.
During the operation, two suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while 25 suspects were arrested. Several others reportedly escaped.
Items recovered from the scene included a pump-action shotgun and a cut-to-size firearm.
“The injured suspects are receiving medical treatment, while investigation is ongoing,” Edafe said.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit raided a suspected criminal hideout at Azagba-Ogwashi on June 14 based on credible intelligence.
The operation led to the arrest of seven suspected cultists identified as Obore Ndubrisi, 26; Okafor Okene, 25; Odinigie Sunday, 26; Okohur Destiny, 21; Felix Abraham, 25; Aputa Israel, 27; and Okolie Chinonso Peter, 24.
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Police recovered a double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Tramadol, as well as a walkie-talkie from the suspects.
Edafe said the suspects and exhibits were in police custody while profiling and further investigations continued.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and bravery, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating cultism, violent crime and other forms of criminality across the state.
He assured residents that the police would continue intelligence-driven operations aimed at ensuring the safety of lives and property.
