Cult Crackdown: Delta Police Arrest Nine, Recover Guns & Weapons
By UCHE OGBODO
THE Delta State Police Command has arrested nine suspected cultists in separate operations in Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime.
The operations also led to the recovery of two locally made guns, a live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
In Obiaruku, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, SAKU, Ubulu-Uku, arrested seven suspects on 13 September.
The arrests followed the execution of a search warrant at a premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road.
During the search, the operatives recovered a single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge and suspected illicit drugs.
They also found a battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop.
The suspects were identified as Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.
According to the police, the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities.
They also reportedly made statements concerning alleged involvement in internet fraud.
Police said investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Onicha-Olona Division arrested two other suspects in Issele-Ikpitime on 12 September.
The police identified them as Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27.
Their arrest followed a reported cult attack in the area.
During the operation, the officers recovered a locally made cut-to-size gun.
They also rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury and took him to a hospital for treatment.
Following the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, directed investigators to trace the sources of the recovered firearms.
He also ordered them to identify other persons linked to the suspects.
Erale warned against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms.
He assured residents that the command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across Delta State.
