Police Arrest Six Suspected Cultists in Delta, Recover Firearm and Suspected Drugs
Delta State Police Command says six suspected cultists were arrested during an intelligence-led raid on a hotel in Abraka, where officers recovered a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested six suspected cultists in Abraka, Ethiope-East Local Government Area of Delta State, during an operation targeting alleged criminal and drug-related activities. The arrests were carried out on Friday, October 23, 2026, by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), following what the police described as credible intelligence. According to a statement confirmed by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the officers raided a hotel suspected of serving as a hideout for drug-related activities. The operation resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of a firearm alongside substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The police said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle cultism and other criminal activities in the state.
During the raid, police operatives reportedly recovered a bag containing a firearm and substances believed to be Indian hemp. Authorities have not yet publicly established the ownership or source of the recovered weapon, and the substances have not been confirmed through publicly reported laboratory analysis. The police also disclosed that some individuals fled after noticing the approaching operatives. Their identities and the number of people who escaped were not specified in the initial report. The command said investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether other individuals were connected to the suspected criminal activities.
The arrest comes amid continuing police operations against suspected cult groups, illegal firearms and drug-related offences across Delta State. Security agencies have repeatedly expressed concern about the potential links between cult-related violence and other criminal activities, including intimidation, assault, kidnapping and armed robbery. However, allegations against individual suspects must be established through proper investigation and legal proceedings. The latest arrests in Abraka are part of a wider effort by the state police command to identify suspected criminal hideouts, recover weapons and prevent activities that could threaten residents’ safety.
The police said the ongoing investigation would focus on determining where the recovered firearm came from, who possessed it and whether it had been used in any criminal activity. Investigators are also expected to examine the suspected drugs and gather further evidence relating to the hotel raid. Individuals who escaped may be sought as inquiries continue, although the command has not announced any further arrests connected to this particular operation. The police have not disclosed the names of the six suspects or provided details of any charges filed against them. Their arrest does not amount to a finding of guilt, and any criminal allegations will need to be addressed through the appropriate legal process.
The Delta State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at addressing cultism, illegal possession of firearms and related offences. Police authorities have also encouraged residents to provide credible information that could help identify criminal activity and support investigations. Community cooperation can assist security agencies in responding to threats, particularly when information is shared through appropriate reporting channels. The latest operation in Abraka demonstrates the command’s continued focus on suspected criminal hideouts, but the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent court proceedings will determine the next steps in the case. Authorities have yet to provide further public details about the suspects or announce the final findings of the investigation.
