ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on cultism and violent crime with the arrest of 13 suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, during a tactical operation at Ekraka Community Forest, Kokori, in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba, saying the arrests followed credible intelligence received on December 20, 2025, that the cult group was planning an initiation ceremony within the forest.
According to the statement, the intelligence prompted the Commander of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), Collins Achem, to swiftly activate operational assets to forestall the planned gathering. At about 11:00 p.m., the QRS commander led a team of highly trained operatives to the identified location.
Police said the suspects engaged the operatives in a gun duel on sighting the patrol team. The officers responded with tactical precision and professionalism, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others fled deeper into the forest.
A search of the forest and its surroundings resulted in the recovery of assorted arms and dangerous items, including two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun, a battle axe, aprons bearing “NBM” insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, several mobile phones, charms and suspected hard drugs.
In addition, seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group were recovered at the scene and towed to the QRS Base in Warri for further investigation.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to establish their individual roles, dismantle the cult network and track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The Delta State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance against cultism and violent crime, calling on parents, schools, community leaders, religious institutions and youths to see the fight against cultism as a collective responsibility.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information as efforts to sustain peace and security across Delta State intensify.
