Police nab three suspected Delta cultists, recover guns

The Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspected cultists, saying the result shows its efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism across the state.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement on Wednesday that police arrested the suspects in two separate intelligence-led operations.

He added that police operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, 55 rounds of live ammunition and seven live cartridges.

Breaking the operation down, Edafe said, “On October 4, 2026, around 9 pm, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers, stormed a hideout in a bush around Uduere Community, in the Ughelli North Local Government Area.

“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspects, unable to withstand the superior firepower of the operatives, fled the scene. A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one knife, one cutlass and one mobile phone.

A manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.”

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The Delta State PPRO added that the next day, October 5, 2026, around 12.45 am, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) got credible intelligence on suspected cult activities in Kokori Community, in the Ethiope East LGA.

“The operatives stormed the location along Ekrakra Road, Kokori, where the suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity were allegedly holding a meeting. The suspects fled in different directions on sighting the operatives, but three suspects – Uzubu Ufuoma (33years); Solomon Ovie (27); and Remember Emuere (31)- were arrested.

“During the subsequent investigation, the suspects led operatives to an abandoned building at Okodjerhe Village, Kokori, where one automatic pump-action gun belonging to the group was recovered.

“The suspects are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing members of the group,” Edafe added.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Erale, warned criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists, that the command would continue to identify their hideouts, disrupt their activities and bring them to justice.

“He further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the Police with credible information on suspicious persons and activities within their communities,” the statement added.