Operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Delta State Police Command have arrested nine suspected cultists in separate operations at Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime.

The officers recovered one locally-fabricated single-barrelled gun, one locally made cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs and a battle axe, according to the Delta Command Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

Edafe, in a statement on Wednesday, added that operatives on September 13, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant on some premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku.

“The search led to the recovery of one locally-fabricated single-barrelled gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, one battle axe, mobile phones and a laptop computer”.

He added that seven suspects were arrested, namely: Wisdom Enede, 25 years; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28.

The police spokesman said during preliminary interrogation, the suspects admitted membership of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements regarding their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

The PPRO added that the investigation is ongoing to establish their individual roles, the source of the recovered firearm and possible links to other criminal activities.

The police spokesman added that on September 12, 2026, operatives from the Onicha-Olona Police Division responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime village, leading to the arrest of Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both of Issele-Ikpitime village, and the recovery of one locally-made cut-to-size gun.

The operatives also rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and took him to hospital for treatment.

Edafe added that efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Samuel Erale, directed that the sources of the recovered firearms and other persons connected with the suspects be identified.

The police boss warned against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms, saying the command ‘will continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across the state.”