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.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the intelligence-led operations were carried out on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli South and Okpe.
According to Edafe, operatives from the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad and Command Anti-Cultism Unit carried out the raids.
The largest operation was at a hotel along Abraka Road in Asaba, where police acted on intelligence about an alleged anniversary gathering of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as Aro Bagger.
67 suspects were arrested at the location, comprising 55 males and 12 females. Items recovered include two pump-action guns, a locally fabricated cut-to-size firearm, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing cult insignia and two jackets with cult branding.
In Agbor, Ika South LGA, Rapid Response Squad operatives arrested 15 suspects, comprising 14 males and one female, linked to the same confraternity.
In Ughelli South, operatives from the Ovwian-Aladja Sector, supported by local civilian anti-cult volunteers, raided a suspected hideout in Jeremi Community. Three suspects were arrested after others escaped into the bush. They were identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24.
Two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps with cult insignia and suspected charms were recovered at the Jeremi hideout.
In Jeddo Community, Okpe LGA, operatives arrested 10 male suspects allegedly connected to cult activities.
Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, commended the tactical teams and directed area commanders, divisional police officers and other units to sustain the campaign against cult-related violence.
He warned that the command would maintain its crackdown on activities threatening public safety and urged parents, guardians and community leaders to monitor young people and report suspicious gatherings to the police.
The command said the 95 suspects remain in custody pending conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
