ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists in coordinated operations across four local government areas, recovering five firearms, ammunition and items suspected to be associated with cult activities.
The details were contained in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bright Edafe, on October 16, 2026. The operations were conducted a day earlier in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe local government areas as part of efforts to tackle cultism and related violent crimes.
According to the statement, the operation followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, for intensified intelligence-led action against cult-related activities.
The largest number of arrests was recorded at a hotel along Abraka Road in Asaba, where a joint team comprising operatives of the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad and Command Anti-Cultism Unit arrested 67 suspects.
The police said the suspects, comprising 55 males and 12 females, were allegedly gathered for an anniversary celebration of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger.
Items recovered at the hotel included two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two branded jackets.
In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested another 15 suspects, comprising 14 males and one female, over suspected links to the same confraternity.
The police also reported arrests in Ughelli South and Okpe local government areas.
At Jeremy Community in Ughelli South, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit, Ovwian-Aladja Sector, working with a civilian anti-cult group, raided a suspected hideout following intelligence about an alleged gathering of SVC members.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24. The police said other individuals fled the scene.
The operation led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms.
In another operation at Jeddo Community in Okpe Local Government Area, police arrested 10 male suspects in connection with suspected cult activities.
The arrests across the four locations brought the total number of suspects to 95, while the firearms recovered comprised two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun and two locally made pistols. The command also reported recovering 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges.
The police said the suspects and recovered exhibits remained in custody as investigations continued.
Commending the officers involved in the operations, Commissioner of Police Erale directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to intensify efforts against cult groups throughout Delta State.
He warned that the command would not tolerate activities capable of threatening public peace and urged residents to provide credible information that could assist the police in preventing crime.
