The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on criminal activities across the state, with the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of firearms and live ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations targeting cultism and illegal possession of arms.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement, saying operatives attached to the command’s Anti-Cult Unit raided a suspected criminal hideout at Eku-Igun community in Ethiope West Local Government Area on May 11, 2026, at about 2:30 a.m.

According to Edafe, the operation followed credible intelligence linking the location to suspected cult-related activities and violent crimes in the area.

He said six suspects allegedly linked to an unlawful society were arrested during the raid.

The police also recovered one locally made single-barrel gun, one fabricated double-barrel pistol and two live cartridges from the suspects.

Edafe stated that preliminary investigations were ongoing to determine the suspects’ involvement in recent cult-related killings and other violent crimes reported in Eku, Igun, Abraka and neighbouring communities.

He added that efforts had been intensified to track down other fleeing members of the gang who reportedly escaped during the operation.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Safe Delta Team attached to the Head Bridge intercepted a 32-year-old suspect identified as Mokwunye Prince Jerry during a routine stop-and-search exercise on May 13, 2026, at about 3:40 p.m.

Police said the suspect was riding a motorcycle and carrying a sack when he was stopped and searched by officers. The search led to the recovery of six packets of live cartridges concealed inside the bag.

According to Edafe, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect claimed to be a member of a hunters’ and vigilante group based in Ibusa.

He reportedly told investigators that one Anthony, who is currently at large, instructed him to collect the ammunition.

The command said investigations were ongoing, including efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspect and uncover the source and intended use of the ammunition.

Edafe said the latest operations form part of intensified security measures by the police command aimed at tackling cultism, illegal arms proliferation, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.