Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained crackdown on cultism and other violent crimes, arresting seven suspected members of the dreaded Maphite Confraternity and recovering a cache of weapons in coordinated raids across the state.
The arrests, executed on 27 July 2026, represent the command’s continued commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at restoring public safety and confidence in communities plagued by cult-related violence.
Raid on Criminal Hideout Yields Multiple Arrests
In a meticulously planned operation, operatives of the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a criminal hideout at Issele-Uku. The operation led to the arrest of seven suspects: Promise Esenjor (26) of Abavo, Wisdom Victor (23) of Umunede, James Wisdom (25) of Agbor, Chinedu Munonye (22) of Issele-Uku, Onyemakonor Collins (20) of Agbor, Unah Oluchi (21) of Agbor, and Azomani Favour (23) of Issele-Uku.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are confessed members of the Maphite Confraternity, a cult group known for its involvement in violent crimes across the region.
Recovered from the hideout were one double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, one cutlass, one Maphite cult beret, seven Android phones and other incriminating exhibits. Investigation into the suspects’ criminal activities is ongoing, with police working to establish the full extent of their operations.
Separate Operation Foils Criminal Gathering in Abraka
In a separate operation on the same day, operatives of Abraka Division, acting on credible intelligence, foiled a planned gathering of suspected criminals along Omono Road, Abraka. The swift police response disrupted the gathering, though other suspects managed to flee on sighting law enforcement officers.
One suspect, Wale Morakinyo (27), was apprehended at the scene. A search of a bag in his possession led to the recovery of two locally fabricated pistols and four live cartridges. The suspect remains in custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing individuals.
Commissioner Reassures Public of Sustained Operations
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, psc, acipm, mnips, reassured all Deltans of the command’s unwavering commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations against cultism and other violent crimes.
The Commissioner urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing efforts to keep Delta State safe, emphasising that community cooperation remains vital to the success of the command’s crime-fighting initiatives.
A Pattern of Escalating Enforcement
These arrests follow a series of recent police operations in the state, including the arrest of five suspected cultists at a hideout in the Ugbolu community on 20 July and the arrest of six suspected armed robbers in Asaba on 12 July. The pattern of sustained enforcement suggests a determined effort by the command to dismantle criminal networks and restore law and order across Delta State.
For residents of communities plagued by cult-related violence, these operations offer a measure of relief, though the challenge of rooting out entrenched criminal networks remains substantial.
The police command has called on citizens to remain vigilant and cooperative as the fight against crime continues.
