THE Delta State Police Command has recorded a major success in its ongoing campaign against cultism with the arrest of 13 suspected cult members and the recovery of firearms and other dangerous items during an intelligence-led operation in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
The arrests were made on 20 December 2025 following actionable intelligence that members of the Aiye Confraternity, popularly known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation ceremony at the Ekraka Community Forest in Kokori.
Acting on the information, the Quick Response Squad (QRS) of the Command, led by its commander, SP Collins Achem, mobilised operatives to the location late at night to disrupt the suspected gathering.
Police sources said that at about 11:00p.m, the suspects opened fire on the operatives on sighting them, prompting a gun battle.
The Police said their operatives overpowered the suspects, arresting 13 of them, while several others fled into the forest.
Items recovered from the scene included two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun, and a battle axe.
Also recovered were aprons bearing the “NBM” insignia, cut razor blades, mobile phones, charms, and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
Seven vehicles allegedly belonging to members of the cult group were also recovered and taken to the QRS Base in Warri for further investigation.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover their specific roles, dismantle the cult network, and track down other fleeing members.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy towards cultism and violent crime, the Delta State Police Command called on parents, educational institutions, community and religious leaders to join hands in guiding youths away from criminal activities.
Members of the public were also urged to remain vigilant and provide timely information to the Police in the interest of public safety.
The statement was issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, in Asaba.
