Rita Enemuru, Reporting
IN a significant blow to organised cult violence, the Delta State Police Command has arrested eleven suspected cultists and armed robbers across Ughelli and Sapele, recovering a cache of weapons including a firearm, cartridges, and a bulletproof vest.
The arrests follow a direct order from the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, for an intensified, intelligence-led manhunt across the state in response to recent cult clashes and killings.
Ughelli Operation: Dismantling a ‘Killing Network’
In a decisive operation in Ughelli, operatives from the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, apprehended two key suspects: Warri Ochuko, 40, and Lucky Okohwoake, 23. Their subsequent interrogation and “confessional statements” led to a coordinated sweep across the metropolis, resulting in the arrest of six more individuals.
A locally made gun and four live cartridges were recovered from the initial suspects. Police preliminary investigations reveal the group are confessed members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and have admitted involvement in the killing of one Alex Adanike on 15th January 2026 in the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli.
Sapele Raid: Hidden Arsenal Uncovered
In a separate operation on 26th January, CP-SAT operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout in the Irapa area of Sapele. Three suspects—Kome Temienoro, 25; Ogaga Omogene, 17; and Biokoro Francis, 42—were arrested.
A search of the premises yielded a disturbing arsenal: a wooden-carved pistol, a battle axe, a bulletproof vest, quantities of illicit drugs, and other incriminating items. A white Toyota Venza, suspected to be used for criminal operations, was also impounded. The suspects are currently being profiled for possible links to cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Command Vows Sustained Onslaught
The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, stated that the operations are part of an unwavering campaign to root out violent criminal elements.
“The Commissioner of Police assures residents that the Command remains resolute in its determination to eradicate cultism and other violent crimes in Delta State,” the release affirmed.
The public is urged to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, with an assurance of strict confidentiality, as the statewide manhunt continues.
