The Delta State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on cultism and violent crime, arresting four suspects in separate operations and recovering firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs.
In a statement issued on April 13, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the operations were part of sustained intelligence-led efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
The first operation took place on April 11 in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area, where operatives on surveillance patrol intercepted a 32-year-old suspect, Peter Onajite. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrel cut-to-size pistol, two live cartridges, and one expended cartridge. Police also found sachets of suspected tramadol in his possession.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being the leader of the notorious Juris Confraternity, a cult group linked to several criminal activities. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
In a separate operation on April 12, police operatives attached to Ibusa Division foiled a suspected cult initiation ceremony along Jordan Road in Ibusa. Acting on credible intelligence, officers stormed the location and arrested three suspects, including a female, while one other suspect, identified as Chinedu Onyeama, escaped and is currently at large.
Items recovered at the scene include an English-made Beretta pistol loaded with one round of live ammunition, three battle axes, a hammer, a cutlass, and 39 firelighters believed to have been intended for use during the initiation process.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved for their swift response and professionalism. He reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crimes, warning that law enforcement agencies will continue to intensify operations against criminal networks.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid in crime prevention.
The latest arrests underscore the police command’s renewed commitment to restoring peace and security across Delta State, as efforts to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle cult groups continue.
