The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 48-year-old kidnapped woman in Ovade Forest, arrested 54 suspected cultists in separate operations, and recovered a locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge and a substance suspected to be cannabis.

The command said the rescue operation took place on September 23, 2026, following a distress call over the abduction of the woman, whose identity was withheld.

According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer of Oghara Division led operatives, members of the Quick Response Squad, vigilantes and hunters into Ovade Forest as part of efforts to locate the victim.

The team reportedly encountered about four suspected kidnappers, who engaged the security personnel in a gun duel before retreating and abandoning the woman. She was subsequently rescued unhurt.

The operatives pursued the fleeing suspects, during which an unidentified suspect was found lifeless, while another suspect, identified as Abubakhar Sani, was apprehended with gunshot injuries. The two suspects were later confirmed dead at the hospital.

A dagger, NIN slip, OPay Verve card, Tecno mobile phone and other personal belongings were recovered during the operation. The rescued woman is said to be stable and undergoing debriefing, while efforts to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects continue.

In a separate operation on September 19, 2026, operatives of Abraka Division, supported by personnel of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and local vigilantes, arrested 30 suspected cultists at a gathering in Eku.

The suspects comprised 29 males and one female. Preliminary investigation indicated that the gathering was allegedly linked to the initiation of new members into the Black Axe Confraternity.

The suspects were subsequently transferred to the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Sector 2, Ozoro, for further investigation.

The police said intelligence obtained during the investigation led the Commander of CACU Sector 2, Ozoro, and his operatives to Obiaruku on September 20, where 20 additional suspects were arrested over alleged cult-related activities.

The second group comprised 15 males and five females, with investigations ongoing to determine their individual involvement.

Meanwhile, four suspected cultists were arrested in Ubulu-Uku on September 20 in connection with a suspected cult-related killing and handed over to CACU operatives in Asaba.

The suspects were identified as Okwudili Ozah, 34; Chekwube Onwuka, 18; Onyebe Emmanuel, 19; and Ozoremenem Izuchukwu, 21. They are suspected members of the Supreme Vikings and Eiye confraternities.

Police said one locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge and a quantity of substance suspected to be cannabis were recovered during the operation.

The victim of the suspected killing was taken to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead. His remains were subsequently deposited at a mortuary for autopsy as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the alleged roles of the suspects.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, commended the police operatives and other security stakeholders involved in the operations.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, warning criminal elements to desist or face the full weight of the law.

CP Erale also assured residents that the command would continue efforts to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally held weapons and ensure that those responsible for violent crimes are brought to justice.