The Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate intelligence-led operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime communities.

The police also recovering two locally fabricated firearms, live ammunition, suspected illicit drugs and other dangerous items in the operation.

Confirming the development, the police spokesperson Bright Edafe said in the first operation conducted on September 13, 2026, operatives of SAKU, Ubulu-Uku, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant at premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku.

Edafe hinted that during the search, the operatives reportedly recovered a locally fabricated single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer.

He said Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the operation, they were identified as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.

According to him, preliminary interrogation indicated that the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and also made statements concerning their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

The PPRO, however, said investigation was still at an early stage, stressing that further inquiries would be conducted to establish the individual roles of the suspects, determine the source of the recovered firearm and establish whether the suspects were connected to other criminal activities.

He also confirmed the separate incident which occurred on September 12, whereby operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village.

Following the report, the Divisional patrol team was immediately deployed to the community, where two suspects were arrested, he said

Bright Edafe explained that they were identified as Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village, and a locally made cut-to-size gun was reportedly recovered from the suspects during the operation.

The police also rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury during the reported attack. He was evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.

The Command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang believed to have participated in the incident.

Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Samuel Erale, warned individuals involved in cult activities against engaging in violence, while reiterating that possession of firearms without lawful authority remains a serious offence.

Erale assured residents that the Command would continue to rely on credible intelligence, targeted operations and coordinated policing to identify and disrupt criminal elements across the state.