The Delta State Police Command has arrested 32 suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition, communication equipment and suspected illicit drugs in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to tackle cult-related violence and other criminal activities.

According to him, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence in the early hours of June 16, 2026, raided a suspected cult initiation ground in Agbarho.

Edafe said intelligence reports indicated that members of the Eiye Confraternity, allegedly linked to recent cult-related killings in Agbor, were planning further attacks and the initiation of new members.

He said the operatives came under gunfire from some of the suspects on arrival at the location, prompting a response that led to an exchange of fire during which two suspects sustained gunshot injuries.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 25 suspects, while several others reportedly escaped.

Items recovered from the scene included a pump-action shotgun and a locally fabricated firearm.

“The injured suspects are currently receiving medical treatment, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend fleeing members of the group,” Edafe said.

In a separate operation on June 14, 2026, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit (CACU) raided a suspected criminal hideout in Azagba-Ogwashi following intelligence reports.

The raid led to the arrest of seven suspected cultists identified as Obore Ndubrisi, 26; Okafor Okene, 25; Odinigie Sunday, 26; Okohur Destiny, 21; Felix Abraham, 25; Aputa Israel, 27; and Okolie Chinonso Peter, 24.

Recovered exhibits included a double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, substances suspected to be cannabis and tramadol, as well as a walkie-talkie allegedly used for communication during criminal activities.

Edafe said the suspects and recovered exhibits were in police custody, while profiling and further investigations were ongoing to determine their involvement in cult-related and other criminal activities.