The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during coordinated security operations across four local government areas of the state.
The operations, carried out on October 15, targeted suspected cult-related activities in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe, according to the police.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement, explaining that the raids followed intelligence reports about suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger.
The recovered weapons comprised two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun and two locally made pistols. Police also recovered 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges.
67 Suspects Arrested at Alleged Cult Anniversary
The largest operation took place at a hotel along Abraka Road in Asaba, where police said suspected members of the confraternity had gathered for an alleged anniversary celebration.
Operatives raided the premises and arrested 67 suspects, comprising 55 men and 12 women.
Items recovered included three firearms, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two jackets bearing suspected cult branding.
In a separate operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, police arrested 15 additional suspects — 14 men and one woman — over suspected links to the same group.
More Arrests in Ughelli South and Okpe
In Jeremy Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit, working with a civilian anti-cult group, raided a suspected hideout and arrested three men identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24.
Police said other suspects fled during the operation. Two locally made pistols, ammunition, suspected cult insignia and charms were reportedly recovered.
Another 10 male suspects were arrested in Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area, over suspected cult-related activities.
The police confirmed that all the suspects and recovered items were in custody, while investigations continued.
Police Warn Cult Groups
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Erale, commended the officers involved in the operations and directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical teams to intensify the crackdown on cultism and related violent crimes.
He warned that the command would not tolerate activities capable of threatening public peace and urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies.
The arrests form part of the command’s efforts to tackle cult-related violence and improve security across the state.
#DeltaState #Police #Cultism #CrimeNews #Security #NigeriaNews #BreakingNews #OnPointGist
