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.

The operations were conducted on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe, following a directive to intensify intelligence-led operations against cultism and related violent crimes.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed the arrests in a statement, saying operatives from the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad and Command Anti-Cultism Unit participated in the operations.

67 Suspects Arrested at Alleged Cult Anniversary

The largest operation took place at a hotel along Abraka Road in Asaba, where police said suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as Aro Bagger, had gathered for an alleged cult anniversary celebration.

Officers raided the premises and arrested 67 suspects, comprising 55 males and 12 females.

The police said they recovered two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges and five expended cartridges.

Other items recovered included 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two branded cult jackets.

15 Arrested in Agbor

In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested 15 additional suspects.

The group comprised 14 males and one female. Police said items suspected to be linked to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity were recovered during the operation.

Three Suspects Arrested in Ughelli South

At Jeremy Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area, officers from the Command Anti-Cultism Unit, working with a civilian anti-cult group, raided a suspected hideout following intelligence about a gathering of suspected cult members.

Three suspects were arrested and identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24.

According to the police, other individuals fled during the operation.

Officers recovered 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 police also arrested 10 male suspects in Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area, in connection with suspected cult activities.

The command said all the suspects and recovered items remained in police custody as investigations continued.

Police Warn Against Cult-Related Violence

The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, commended the officers involved in the operations and directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to intensify the crackdown on cult groups across the state.

He warned that the command would not tolerate cult-related activities capable of threatening public peace and urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies.

The arrests form part of the police command’s ongoing efforts to curb cultism and related violent crimes in Delta State.