The Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms during coordinated operations across four local government areas of the state.

The operations, conducted on October 15, 2026, covered Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe as part of efforts to tackle cultism and related violent crimes.

The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the arrests in a statement made available to journalists on Saturday.

67 Suspects Arrested at Asaba Hotel

According to the police, operatives raided a hotel along Abraka Road in Asaba after receiving intelligence that suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as Aro Bagger, had gathered for an alleged cult anniversary celebration.

The operation led to the arrest of 67 suspects, comprising 55 men and 12 women.

Police said they recovered two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges and five expended cartridges at the premises.

Other items recovered included 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two jackets branded with the group’s identity.

The police said the operation was carried out by personnel from the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad and Command Anti-Cultism Unit.

15 More Arrested in Agbor

In a related operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad arrested 15 additional suspects, comprising 14 men and one woman.

The police said items suspected to be associated with the Supreme Vikings Confraternity were recovered during the operation.

Three Arrested in Ughelli South

Police operatives from the Command Anti-Cultism Unit, working with a civilian anti-cult group, also raided a suspected hideout in Jeremy Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

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

The police said two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms were recovered. Other suspected cult members reportedly fled.

10 Arrested in Okpe

In another operation at Jeddo Community in Okpe Local Government Area, officers arrested 10 male suspects in connection with suspected cult activities.

Across the operations, the police reported recovering five firearms comprising two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun and two locally made pistols.

They also recovered 12 live cartridges and seven expended cartridges.

Police Begin Further Investigations

The police said all 95 suspects and the recovered items were in custody while investigations continued.

Delta State Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale commended the officers involved and directed area commanders, divisional police officers and tactical commanders to intensify operations against cult groups.

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

The allegations against the suspects have not been established in court.