The Delta State Police Command has intensified its clampdown on cult-related activities, extortion and illicit drug trafficking across the state, recording fresh operational successes with the arrest of 14 suspects and the recovery of firearms, ammunition and quantities of suspected illicit drugs in separate operations.

The latest operations, according to the Command’s spokesperson Bright Edafe, were carried out by operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Ozoro; Okpanam Division; and the Divisional Surveillance Team.

He said the operations were based on credible intelligence, stressing that the interventions were aimed at preventing criminal activities before they could escalate into violence and other threats to public safety.

According to him, In Aragba-Orogun, operatives of CACU, Ozoro, reportedly foiled a proposed cult gathering and arrested eight suspects.

He named those arrested as Godspower Achubue, 27; Ziden Edem, 27; Kingsley Aniefem, 36; Omita John, 22; Onumu Happy, 22; Kenneth Ukpurakpo, 22; Juliet Festus, 26; and Oghenegueke Okuanah, 22.

The police said the operation followed credible intelligence concerning a planned gathering suspected to be connected with cult activities in the community.

Following the arrests, investigators extended their inquiry to the residence of one of the suspects, where a search warrant was executed.

The search, according to the image maker, resulted in the recovery of one pump-action gun and one live cartridge.
The recovery of the firearm has added a fresh dimension to the investigation, as police detectives seek to establish its ownership, source and possible connection with the alleged cult activities.

The eight suspects remain subjects of investigation, while the Command said efforts are being made to unravel the wider network behind the proposed gathering and determine whether other persons were involved.

In another operation on September 8, 2026, operatives of Okpanam Division responded to a report of an alleged extortion attempt at a construction site.

According to the police, a group of persons had allegedly invaded the construction site, halted workers from carrying out their duties and seized their working tools.

The suspects were further alleged to have demanded ₦700,000 from the construction workers before allowing work at the site to continue.

Acting on the report, police operatives mobilised swiftly to the scene in an attempt to apprehend the alleged perpetrators.

The operation resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old suspect, Collins Dunkun, while six other suspects reportedly fled the scene upon sighting the police.

A search of Dunkun, the Command said, led to the recovery of one locally made single-barrel pistol and one cartridge.

The recovery of the firearm has prompted investigators to broaden their inquiry into the alleged extortion incident, particularly whether the weapon was intended to intimidate the construction workers or facilitate the alleged demand for money.

Bright Edafe said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the six suspects who escaped during the operation.

He also assured that the circumstances surrounding the alleged invasion, seizure of workers’ tools and demand for ₦700,000 would be thoroughly investigated.