Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have intensified their crackdown on violent criminal networks across the state, arresting suspected cult leaders linked to a murder case in Ughelli and recovering firearms during a separate intelligence-led operation in Asaba.

The police said the operations were carried out by the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cult groups and curb violent crime across Delta State.

Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the development, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence gathering in connection with a cult-related killing that occurred on January 15, 2026, at the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli Town.

According to him, operatives of CP-SAT led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a hotel in the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli at about 11:30 a.m. on March 6, 2026, where the principal suspects were believed to be hiding.

The operation led to the arrest of 30-year-old Joshua Okpogona from Okwarabe Community, who police identified as the current Ughelli leader of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and the alleged mastermind behind the January killing.

Also arrested during the raid was Raphael Omokerhe, 37, popularly known as “Black Python,” who investigators described as the immediate past leader of the same cult group.

Edafe said the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation while investigators intensify efforts