Delta State Police Command has announced a major operational breakthrough in its long-running battle against cultism and violent crime, arresting 13 suspected members of the notorious Aiye Confraternity, popularly known as Black Axe, during a late-night raid on a forest enclave in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the State.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, told The Guardian that the operation, carried out on December 20, 2025, followed what he described as “credible intelligence”, indicating that cultists were converging at the Ekraka Community Forest in Kokori for an initiation ceremony.

He said acting on the tip-off, the Command’s Quick Response Squad (QRS) moved swiftly to disrupt the gathering before it could degenerate into violence.

According to him, the QRS Commander, SP Collins Achem, led a team of armed operatives to the forest at about 11 pm. On arrival, the suspects reportedly opened fire on the patrol team, triggering a brief but intense gun duel.
Bright Edafe stated that the operatives overpowered the suspects, arresting 13 on the spot, while several others escaped deeper into the forest under the cover of darkness.

“A subsequent search of the area uncovered a cache of weapons and items linked to cult activities. Police recovered two pump-action guns, a double-barrelled cut-to-size gun, a single-barrelled cut-to-size gun, a battle axe, cult aprons bearing the NBM insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, charms, suspected hard drugs and several mobile phones.

“Seven vehicles allegedly used by members of the group were also seized and towed to the QRS base in Warri.
While the police have hailed the operation as evidence of improved intelligence-led policing, the incident once again underscores the persistence of cultism in parts of the Niger Delta, despite years of security crackdowns.

Forests and riverine communities continue to serve as hideouts for violent groups, raising questions about the depth of community engagement, youth unemployment and the social drivers that sustain such criminal networks.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to determine their individual roles, dismantle the wider syndicate and track down those who fled the scene”, he said.

The police image maker reiterated zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crime, calling on parents, schools, community leaders and faith-based organisations to play a more active role in steering youths away from criminal gangs, and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.