The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms, 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges in coordinated operations across four local government areas of the state.
The operations, conducted on October 15, 2026, followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, to intensify intelligence-led operations against cultism and related violent crimes.
The coordinated raids involved operatives of the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU) in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas.
In one of the operations, acting on credible intelligence that suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger, had gathered at a hotel along Abraka Road, Asaba, for an alleged cult anniversary celebration, a combined team of police operatives raided the premises and arrested 67 suspects.
The suspects comprised 55 males and 12 females.
Items recovered during the operation 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 jackets bearing suspected cult branding.
In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the RRS Agbor Sector arrested 15 additional suspects, comprising 14 males and one female, over suspected links to the same confraternity.
Similarly, following intelligence about a gathering of suspected SVC members at Jeremy Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, operatives of the CACU Ovwian-Aladja Sector, in collaboration with a civilian anti-cult group, raided a suspected criminal hideout.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24, while other suspected cultists fled.
The police recovered two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms from the scene.
In another operation at Jeddo Community in Okpe Local Government Area, 10 additional male suspects were arrested in connection with suspected cult activities.
The police said the suspects and recovered exhibits were in custody, while investigations were ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Erale, commended the operatives for their efforts and directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to intensify operations against cult groups across the state.
He warned that the command would not tolerate cult-related activities capable of threatening public peace and security.
Erale also urged residents to support the police with credible information that could assist in identifying and apprehending criminal elements in their communities.
