ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained offensive against cultism and violent crimes, arresting a suspected notorious cult leader and foiling a planned initiation ceremony in separate intelligence-driven operations across the state.
In one of the operations, police operatives attached to Delta Shield apprehended a 32-year-old suspect, Peter Onajite, during a surveillance patrol at Orerokpe in Okpe Local Government Area. The arrest, which took place at about 11:45 a.m. on April 11, 2026, followed a routine interception that led to a search of the suspect.
Police sources confirmed that the search yielded a locally made double-barrel cut-to-size pistol, two live cartridges, and one expended cartridge. Sachets of suspected Tramadol were also recovered from the suspect, raising further concerns about the nexus between drug abuse and violent crimes in the state.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being the leader of the dreaded Juris Confraternity, a cult group long associated with violent clashes and criminal activities. He is currently in police custody as investigations continue.
In a related development, operatives of the Command foiled a suspected cult initiation ceremony in Ibusa on April 12, 2026, following credible intelligence. Acting swiftly on the report, police operatives from Ibusa Police Station stormed a location along Jordan Road, where the initiation was said to be underway.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects, including a female, while another suspect identified as Chinedu Onyeama remains at large. A comprehensive search of the premises uncovered a cache of dangerous items, including an English-made Beretta pistol loaded with one round of live ammunition.
Other items recovered at the scene include three battle axes, one hammer, one cutlass, and thirty-nine firelighters, indicating preparations for a violent initiation process. The arrested suspects are currently in custody, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers for their professionalism, vigilance, and prompt response to intelligence.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, stressing that the police would not relent in its crackdown on cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime across Delta State.
“The Command remains resolute in its mandate to rid the state of criminal elements. We will continue to deploy proactive strategies to ensure the safety of lives and property,” the Commissioner stated.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed the developments, urged residents to remain law-abiding and continue to support the police with timely and credible information.
The latest operations underscore the Command’s renewed momentum in dismantling cult networks and restoring public confidence in security across Delta State.
