…Recover firearms in fresh crackdown on violent crimes

The Delta State Police Command has intensified its offensive against cultism and violent crime with the arrest of eight suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations across the state, leading to the recovery of firearms, live ammunition and other incriminating exhibits.

The operations, carried out by operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) and the Abraka Division, form part of the police’s sustained campaign to dismantle criminal networks and curb cult-related violence in Delta State.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the first operation took place on July 27, 2026, when operatives of the Command Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected criminal hideout at Issele-Uku.

During the raid, seven suspects identified as Promise Esenjor, 26, of Abavo; Wisdom Victor, 23, of Umunede; James Wisdom, 25, of Agbor; Chinedu Munonye, 22, of Issele-Uku; Onyemakonor Collins, 20, of Agbor; Unah Oluchi, 21, of Agbor; and Azomani Favour, 23, of Issele-Uku, were arrested.

He said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the notorious Maphite Confraternity, a cult group linked to violent criminal activities in parts of the state.

Items recovered from the hideout included one double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, one cutlass, a Maphite cult beret, seven Android phones and other exhibits believed to be connected with the suspects’ activities.

The command disclosed that investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in cult-related crimes and identify other members of the group.

In another operation conducted the same day, operatives of the Abraka Division thwarted what police described as a planned gathering of suspected criminals along Omono Road in Abraka following actionable intelligence.

The suspects reportedly fled on sighting the police team, but one suspect, Wale Morakinyo, 27, was apprehended. A search of a bag allegedly found in his possession led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four live cartridges.

Bright Edafe said the suspect remains in custody while efforts have been intensified to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the group.

Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations aimed at combating cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He urged residents to continue partnering with the police by providing credible and timely information that would assist security agencies in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing criminal activities across the state.