Intelligence-Led Operations in Sapele and Ika North East Yield Pistols, Cartridges, Axes and Other Exhibits
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 16 suspected cultists and recovered firearms, ammunition and other incriminating exhibits during separate intelligence-led operations in Sapele and Ika North East Local Government Areas of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) raided a suspected criminal hideout at Amukpe, Sapele, at about 2:00 a.m. on July 17, 2026.
During the operation, eight suspects identified as Lucky Naset (30), Ochuko Midwest (27), Samuel Oghene (29), Michael Mmadu (35), Dennis Philip (28), Goodluck Onujenya (30), Ovie Royal (25) and Divine Otemu (22) were arrested. Police said they are suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of three locally fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of live ammunition of different calibres, two axes, two suspected cannabis grinders, one bottle containing a suspected illicit substance and other incriminating exhibits.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to cult-related activities within the Sapele axis, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
In a separate operation later the same day at about 11:30 a.m., police operatives arrested another eight suspects over an alleged cult-related attack on a male victim from Illabor Community in Ika North East Local Government Area.
The suspects include Ifeanyi Emeka (25), Hope Sunday (24), Francis Onyechiwalla (23) and Chinedu Joseph (25), alongside four others whose identities were not disclosed by the police.
According to the Command, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity. They are currently in police custody as investigations continue to determine their involvement in other cult-related crimes and to apprehend additional members of the group.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for the successful operations and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal gangs and cult groups across the state.
He urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to the police, assuring residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led operations to protect lives and property.
