Police nab 11 suspected cultists, recover guns, ammunition

The Delta State Police Command has apprehended 11 suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition and other dangerous weapons during separate operations carried out across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement released on Sunday in Asaba.

Edafe said the raids formed part of ongoing efforts by the command to tackle cult-related activities, illegal arms possession and other violent offences.

According to him, operatives attached to the Buffalo Patrol Team acted on a distress report and, on May 14, 2026, around 11:09am, raided a location believed to be a cult hideout at Eagle Square along Okpanam Road, Asaba.

The operation resulted in the arrest of seven men and two women suspected to be linked to cult activities.

Police also recovered a Beretta pistol, a battle axe and a cutlass from the scene.

“The suspects and exhibits have been transferred to the Command Anti-Cult Unit for further investigation,” Edafe stated.

In a separate operation conducted earlier the same day at about 9:00am, officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol Team intercepted a Lexus Jeep with registration number KWL 139 CY during a routine stop-and-search exercise along the Ughelli/Patani Road.

Edafe explained that a thorough search of the vehicle, driven by Felix Ike, led to the discovery of an English-made pump action gun and 40 live cartridges.

“The suspect is in custody while investigation is ongoing,” he added.

The police command also announced the arrest of a suspected cult leader, Christopher Ogidigbo, 28, from Ogharaefe Town in Ethiope-West Local Government Area.

Edafe said operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit arrested the suspect on May 15, 2026, at about 12:30pm, following credible intelligence.

He noted that Ogidigbo was allegedly identified as a leader of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

“One locally made revolver pistol was recovered from the suspect during the operation. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain his possible involvement in other criminal activities,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the operatives for their swift response and professionalism in combating crime across the state.