The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old suspected cult leader, Peter Onajite, in a renewed crackdown on cultism and violent crimes, while separate operations in Imo State led to the arrest of five suspected armed robbers and the recovery of cash, motorcycles and other exhibits.

In Delta, police operatives also recovered firearms and other items during intelligence-led operations across the state, reinforcing what authorities described as intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks.

The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, said the suspect was arrested on April 11, 2026, at about 11:45 a.m. during a routine surveillance patrol in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Council.

Edafe explained that operatives of the Delta Shield intercepted Onajite and conducted a search, which led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrel cut-to-size pistol, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and sachets of suspected Tramadol.

According to him, the suspect confessed to being the leader of the Juris Confraternity, a cult group linked to violent activities in parts of the state. He added that the suspect remained in custody as investigations continued.

In a separate operation on April 12, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., operatives attached to the Ibusa Police Station acted on intelligence regarding a suspected cult initiation ceremony.

The police said the ceremony was allegedly organised by one Chinedu Onyeama, who is currently at large, alongside members of the Aiye cult group.

Acting on the intelligence, the police team mobilised to Jordan Road in Ibusa, where three suspects, including a female, were arrested.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of an English-made Beretta pistol loaded with one round of live ammunition, three battle axes, a hammer, a cutlass, and 39 firelighters believed to have been intended for use during the initiation.

All the suspects are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend Onyeama and dismantle the wider network linked to the group.

Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Mr Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their professionalism and prompt response to credible intelligence.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and stated that security agencies would sustain the ongoing clampdown on cult-related activities and other forms of violent crime across the state.

The commissioner added that the arrests underscored the command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements and enhance public safety.

Meanwhile, in Imo State, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the police command arrested five suspected armed robbers and recovered N6,495,900, 450 motorcycles, a vehicle and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Garba Bosso, who was represented by the command’s spokesperson, Mr Henry Okoye, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the suspects were linked to offences including armed robbery, attempted murder and vehicle snatching.

Okoye said the operation was led by the officer in charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, following a distress call received on April 6, 2026, at about 9:00 p.m.

The report was made by Mr Chimeze Christian of Urata, Owerri North Local Council, who owns Wonder Shuttle. He stated that his driver, Paul Ejike Ohaka, who left on April 5, 2026, with a bus bearing registration number KPU 26 XA, failed to return as scheduled.

Police investigations revealed that the driver was later found unconscious at Irete along the Onitsha Road axis, while the vehicle had been taken by unknown assailants. He was evacuated to Vadan Hospital in New Owerri, where he is receiving treatment.

Acting on the report, operatives launched a coordinated investigation that led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle at a workshop in Orlu, where it was about to be repainted to conceal its identity.

Two suspects, identified as Olagoke Jelili and Godday Ezike, were arrested at the scene, while further investigations led to the arrest of Okechukwu Prince and Raymond Odinaka.

The police said the suspects confessed to acting on the instructions of a fleeing suspect, Osita Chigbo, also known as “Barr. Oguta”.

During the operation, another suspect, Paul Martins Anya, identified as a receiver of stolen vehicles, was also arrested.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of 13 motorcycles suspected to be stolen, while follow-up operations increased the total recovered to 450.

Okoye said the suspects failed to provide proof of ownership for the motorcycles and allegedly attempted to relocate them to nearby bush paths to evade detection, but were intercepted by operatives acting on credible intelligence.

He added that the suspects attempted to bribe police officers with N5 million, but the offer was rejected in line with the command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption.

Bosso stated that the operation reflected the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and ensuring that criminal elements do not find safe haven in the state.

He directed that all suspects be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while urging members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.