The Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity and recovered an AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns and ammunition in separate operations across the state.

The command said the operations were part of its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery and cult-related activities.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the operations yesterday.

Edafe said operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on intelligence about suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in a bush around Uduere Community, Ughelli North Local Council, at about 9:00 p.m. on October 4.

According to him, the suspects opened fire on the operatives after sighting them, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

He said the suspects eventually fled the hideout when they could not withstand the police response.

A search of the location, he said, led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines and 55 rounds of live ammunition.

The operatives also recovered a pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, a knife, a cutlass and a mobile phone.

Edafe said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In a separate operation in the early hours of October 5, operatives of the Quick Response Squad acted on intelligence about suspected cult activities in Kokori, Ethiope East Local Council.

He said the operatives stormed a location along Ekrakra Road, Kokori, at about 12:45 a.m., where suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity were allegedly holding a meeting.

According to him, the suspects fled in different directions on sighting the police.

However, three suspects — Uzubu Ufuoma, 33; Solomon Ovie, 27; and Remember Emuere, 31 — were arrested.

Edafe said preliminary investigation led the operatives to an abandoned building at Okodjerhe Village, Kokori, where a pump-action gun allegedly belonging to the group was recovered.

He said the three suspects remained in custody while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the group.