LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Delta State Police Command has arrested seven suspects linked to cultism and illegal arms possession during separate intelligence-led operations across the state, with officers recovering firearms and live cartridges.
The operations, which led to the recovery of two firearms and eight live cartridges, were part of an ongoing crackdown on cultism, illegal weapons possession, and violent crimes across Delta State.
Confirming the development on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the arrests followed sustained intelligence-driven raids by police operatives.
The statement reported that officers attached to the Command Anti-Cult Unit stormed a suspected criminal hideout at Eku-Igun community in Ethiope West Local Government Area on May 11, at about 2:30 am.
The statement said, “operatives attached to Command Anti-Cult Unit, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected criminal hideout at Eku-Igun community in Ethiope West Local Government Area.”
During the operation, six suspects believed to be members of an unlawful society were arrested.
Police also recovered weapons from the hideout, including “one locally made single-barrel gun, one double-barrel locally made pistol, and two live cartridges.”
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Furthermore, SP Edafe disclosed that investigators were working to determine the suspects involvement in cult-related killings and other violent crimes reported in Eku, Igun, Abraka, and nearby communities.
He added that efforts were ongoing to track down other gang members who escaped during the raid.
In another operation, operatives of the Safe Delta Unit stationed at the Head Bridge checkpoint intercepted a 32-year-old suspect identified as Mokwunye Prince Jerry during a stop-and-search exercise on May 13, at about 3:40 pm.
Police said a search of the suspect’s motorcycle and sack bag led to the discovery of six packets of live cartridges.
Preliminary findings showed that the suspect claimed to be a member of a hunters or vigilante group in Ibusa.
He reportedly told investigators that a man identified as Anthony, who is currently on the run, directed him to collect the ammunition.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the operatives for the successful operations and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating cultism, illegal firearms possession, and other violent crimes in the state.
Ultimately, the PPRO urged residents to “remain vigilant and continue to support the Police with credible and timely information that will aid ongoing operations and improve public safety across the State.”
