Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms, 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges during coordinated operations across four local government areas of the state.
The operations, conducted on October 15, 2026, followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, to intensify intelligence-led operations against cultism and related violent crimes.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operations involved operatives of the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU).
The operations were carried out in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas.
The police said the recovered firearms comprised two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun and two locally made pistols.
67 Suspects Arrested In Asaba Hotel Raid
The statement said the largest arrest was made following credible intelligence that suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger, had gathered at a hotel along Abraka Road, Asaba, for an alleged cult anniversary celebration.
Acting on the intelligence, a combined team of operatives from the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad, Asaba Sector, and Command Anti-Cultism Unit, Asaba Sector, raided the premises.
The operation led to the arrest of 67 suspects, comprising 55 males and 12 females.
The police said two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges and five expended cartridges were recovered during the raid.
Other items recovered included 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two jackets bearing cult-related branding.
In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the RRS Agbor Sector arrested another 15 suspects, comprising 14 males and one female.
The police said items suspected to be linked to the same Supreme Vikings Confraternity were also recovered during the operation.
Three Suspects Arrested In Ughelli South
In another operation, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit, Ovwian-Aladja Sector, working with a civilian anti-cult group, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Jeremy Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.
The raid followed intelligence about a gathering of suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity in the community.
Three suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24.
The police said other suspected cult members fled during the operation.
Items recovered included two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms.
10 More Arrested In Okpe
The statement further disclosed that 10 additional male suspects were arrested during a separate operation at Jeddo Community in Okpe Local Government Area in connection with suspected cult activities.
The police said all the suspects arrested and the recovered exhibits were in custody, while investigations were ongoing.
CP Warns Cult Groups
Commending the operatives for their efforts, Erale directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical commanders to intensify operations against cult groups across the state.
He warned that the command would not tolerate cult-related activities capable of threatening public peace.
The commissioner also urged residents to support the police with credible information that could assist in preventing and combating crime.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on October 16, 2026.
