Operatives of the Delta State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cultists and recovered four firearms, six live cartridges, eight rounds of live ammunition, two axes and other incriminating exhibits during separate intelligence-led operations aimed at combating cultism and violent crimes across the state.

In the first operation, conducted at about 2:00 a.m. on 17th July 2026, operatives of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Amukpe in Sapele Local Government Area.

The operation led to the arrest of eight suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity identified as Lucky Naset (30), Ochuko Midwest (27), Samuel Oghene (29), Michael Mmadu (35), Dennis Philip (28), Goodluck Onujenya (30), Ovie Royal (25) and Divine Otemu (22).

A search of the hideout resulted in the recovery of three locally fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of live ammunition of different calibres, two axes, two suspected cannabis grinders, a bottle containing a suspected illicit substance and other incriminating exhibits.

Police said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to cult-related activities within the Sapele axis, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.

In a separate operation later the same day at about 11:30 a.m., police operatives arrested another eight suspects in connection with the alleged attack on a male resident of Illabor Community in Ika North East Local Government Area with a cut-to-size gun.

Among those identified by the Command are Ifeanyi Emeka (25), Hope Sunday (24), Francis Onyechiwalla (23) and Chinedu Joseph (25). During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue to determine their involvement in other cult-related crimes and to apprehend other members of the group.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the successful operations and reaffirmed the Command's commitment to dismantling criminal gangs and cult groups across the state. He also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to the police to support ongoing intelligence-led operations aimed at protecting lives and property.