ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recovered an AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns and ammunition while arresting three suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations in Ughelli North and Ethiope East Local Government Areas.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the operations were carried out as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related activities across the state.
The first operation took place at about 9 p.m. on October 4, when operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout in a bush around Uduere Community, Ughelli North.
Edafe said the suspects opened fire when the operatives arrived, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The suspects subsequently fled the area when they were unable to withstand the police response.
A search of the hideout reportedly produced an AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition and a pump-action gun with seven live cartridges.
The police also recovered a knife, a cutlass and a mobile phone from the location, while a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation conducted at about 12:45 a.m. on October 5, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) moved against suspected cult activity along Ekrakra Road in Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area.
The operation followed intelligence that members of the Black Axe confraternity were allegedly holding a meeting at the location.
According to the police, the suspects fled in different directions when they sighted the operatives, but three men were apprehended.
They were identified as Uzubu Ufuoma, 33; Solomon Ovie, 27; and Remember Emuere, 31.
The police said further investigation led the arrested suspects to an abandoned building at Okodjerhe Village, Kokori, where an automatic pump-action gun allegedly belonging to the group was recovered.
The three suspects remain in police custody, while the command said efforts are underway to arrest other members of the group who escaped.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, said the command would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying and dismantling criminal hideouts across the state.
Erale warned suspected kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists against engaging in criminal activities, assuring that the police would continue to pursue those involved and bring them to justice.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in detecting suspicious movements and preventing crime in their communities.
