Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested 16 suspected cultists and recovered arms and ammunition in the state.

The suspects were arrested at Illabor and Amukpe communities in Ika North East and Sapele Local Government Areas.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, said the suspects were arrested during a separate raid on suspected criminal hideout by Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), following intelligence report.

He said eight of the suspects, allegedly members of Aiye Confraternity, were arrested on July 17, 2026, when operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout at Amukp community.

He added that three locally fabricated pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of live ammunition, two axes, two suspected cannabis grinders and other incriminating exhibits were recovered from them.

According to him, the suspects are linked to cult-related activities within the Sapele axis, saying investigation is ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.

He said eight other suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged attack on a male victim from Illabor Community, Ika North East Local Government Area, with a cut-to-size gun.

He explained that during preliminary investigation, the suspects confessed to being members of the Eiye Confraternity.

He said the suspects are in custody with investigation ongoing to determine their involvement in other cult-related crimes and apprehend other members of the group. (Daily Trust)

Update news