No fewer than 11 suspected cultists have been arrested by operatives of the Delta State Police Command during coordinated operations that also led to the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
The arrests were made in separate intelligence-led operations carried out across different parts of the state as part of ongoing efforts to combat cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and other violent crimes.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operations resulted in the recovery of one Beretta pistol, one locally made revolver pistol, one English-made pump-action gun, 40 rounds of live cartridges, and other dangerous weapons.
According to Edafe, operatives of the Buffalo Patrol Team on May 14, 2026, at about 11:09 a.m., acted on a distress call and raided a suspected cultist hideout located at Eagle Square along Okpanam Road, Asaba.
“The location was suspected to be a hideout used for cult-related activities. During the raid, operatives arrested seven male suspects and two female suspects,” Edafe stated.
He added that one Beretta pistol, one battle axe, and one cutlass were recovered during the operation.
“The suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Command Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation,” he said.
In another operation conducted on the same day at about 9:00 a.m., operatives of the Safer Highway Patrol Team intercepted a Lexus Jeep with registration number KWL 139 CY during a stop-and-search operation along the Ughelli/Patani Road.
Edafe disclosed that the vehicle was driven by one Felix Ike.
“A thorough search conducted on the vehicle led to the recovery of one English-made pump-action gun and 40 rounds of live cartridges,” he said.
“The suspect is currently in custody while investigation is ongoing
The police spokesman further revealed that operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Christopher Ogidigbo, 28, of Ogharaefe Town in Ethiope West Local Government Area.
“The suspect has been identified as a suspected kingpin of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC),” Edafe stated.
He explained that a locally made revolver pistol was recovered from the suspect during the operation.
“Investigation is ongoing to ascertain his possible involvement in other criminal activities,” he added.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and swift response, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain the fight against cultism and violent crimes across the state.
