ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cultism, illegal possession of firearms, and violent crimes across the state, resulting in the arrest of eleven suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and dangerous weapons in separate intelligence-driven operations carried out in Asaba, Ughelli and Oghara.
The operations were confirmed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, who said the successes were recorded through coordinated raids and proactive policing strategies aimed at curbing criminal activities in the state.
According to the statement, operatives of the Buffalo Patrol Team on May 14, 2026, at about 11:09am, acting on a distress call, stormed a suspected cultist hideout at Eagle Square along Okpanam Road, Asaba, believed to be a base for cult-related activities.
The operation led to the arrest of seven male suspects and two female suspects, while one Beretta pistol, one battle axe, and one cutlass were recovered from the scene.
Police said the suspects and exhibits had been transferred to the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In another operation carried out the same day at about 9:00am, operatives attached to the Safer Highway Patrol Team intercepted a Lexus Jeep with registration number KWL 139 CY during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Ughelli/Patani Road.
The vehicle, driven by one Felix Ike, was thoroughly searched, leading to the recovery of an English-made pump-action gun and forty rounds of live cartridges.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody while investigations into the source and intended use of the firearm and ammunition commenced.
Similarly, on May 15, 2026, at about 12:30pm, operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit, acting on credible intelligence, arrested one Christopher Ogidigbo, aged 28, of Ogharaefe Town in Ethiope West Local Government Area.
Police identified the suspect as a suspected kingpin of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC).
A locally made revolver pistol was recovered from him during the operation, while investigations were said to be ongoing to determine his alleged involvement in other criminal activities within and outside the state.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their professionalism, vigilance, and swift response to intelligence.
The police commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against cultism, illegal arms possession, and all forms of violent crimes across Delta State.
He also assured residents that the Command would continue to intensify intelligence-led policing and strategic operations aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order throughout the state.
