RismadarVoice Reporters
October 16, 2026
The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of 95 suspected cultists and the recovery of five firearms during coordinated security operations across four local government areas of the state.
The operations, carried out on Thursday, October 15, targeted suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger, and other individuals allegedly involved in cult-related activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale.
According to the statement, the coordinated raids took place in Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas, following intelligence reports about suspected cult gatherings and criminal activities.
Police recovered two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, two locally made pistols, 12 live cartridges, seven expended cartridges and several items bearing suspected cult insignia.
67 SUSPECTS ARRESTED DURING HOTEL RAID IN ASABA
The largest operation took place at a hotel along Abraka Road in Asaba, where police operatives reportedly uncovered a gathering suspected to be connected with an anniversary celebration of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
The operation was conducted by personnel from the Department of Operations, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU).
Police said the raid resulted in the arrest of 67 individuals, comprising 55 males and 12 females.
During a search of the premises, operatives recovered two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges and five expended cartridges.
Other items recovered included 11 caps and two jackets bearing symbols suspected to be associated with the confraternity.
The police said the arrests followed intelligence indicating that individuals suspected of belonging to the group had assembled at the location.
15 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN AGBOR
In a separate operation in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Agbor Sector, arrested 15 additional suspects.
The suspects comprised 14 males and one female.
Police said items suspected to be associated with the same confraternity were recovered during the operation.
The arrests formed part of the command’s wider effort to disrupt suspected cult gatherings and prevent violence associated with rival groups.
POLICE RECOVER TWO PISTOLS IN UGHELLI SOUTH
Another operation was conducted in Jeremy Community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, by operatives attached to the Command Anti-Cultism Unit, Ovwian-Aladja Sector, working alongside a civilian anti-cult group.
According to the police, the team acted on intelligence about a suspected gathering of confraternity members at a location believed to be used for criminal activities.
Three suspects were arrested and identified as John Pius, 32; Oghene Ochuko, 28; and Akinbule Godstime, 24.
Other individuals reportedly fled the scene before they could be apprehended.
A search of the location led to the recovery of two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and items described by the police as charms.
Investigators are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the recovered weapons and establish whether the suspects were involved in any previous criminal incidents.
10 MORE SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN OKPE
In Jeddo Community, Okpe Local Government Area, police operatives arrested another 10 male suspects during an operation targeting suspected cult-related activities.
The police said the arrests were based on intelligence gathered as part of ongoing efforts to identify and disrupt suspected criminal networks operating within the state.
The suspects were taken into custody for further investigation.
The arrests across the four locations brought the total number of suspects to 95, comprising 82 males and 13 females.
COMMISSIONER ORDERS INTENSIFIED OPERATIONS
Reacting to the development, Commissioner of Police Samuel E. Erale commended the officers involved in the operations for their efforts in tackling suspected cult-related activities.
He directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and tactical unit commanders across the state to intensify intelligence-led operations against cultism and other violent crimes.
Erale warned that the command would not tolerate activities capable of threatening public peace, endangering residents or disrupting security within communities.
The commissioner also appealed to members of the public to support law enforcement agencies by providing credible and timely information about suspicious activities.
He stressed that effective collaboration between residents and security agencies remained essential to preventing cult-related violence and other forms of criminality.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining coordinated security operations and strengthening community engagement across Delta State.
It added that investigations into the arrests and recovered exhibits were ongoing.
The suspects have not been convicted of any offence, and their alleged involvement in cult-related activities remains subject to investigation and the judicial process.
