The operatives of the Delta State Police Command said that they engaged suspected criminals in a gun duel, leading to eventual death of two of the suspects.

The operatives said that they arrested some cultists and recovered arms and ammunition.

Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Police Command confirmed the incidents.

Edafe, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said that on October 28, 2024 at about7.48pm, the operatives of CP’sSpecial Assignment Team ( CP – SAT ), stormed a criminal hideout along Ewheru – Patani road in Ughellli LGA.

He said thatduring the operation, they were ambushed by the suspected hoodlums.

The team, according to him, engaged them in a fierce gun duel during which two of the suspects sustained bullet injuries.

“One beretta pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition, and one AK-47 rifle loaded with sixrounds of live ammunition were recovered. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly responsible for terrorizing Warri – Sapele road, Masogar axis, some killings in Oghara and Ughelli. The injured suspects were taken to general hospital Ughelli for medical attention, but were later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. Investigation is ongoing.”

In another development, he said thatacting on credible information, on November 4, 2024 between 3 am to 5.30 am, operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team ( CP – SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson at various locations of Oton community and Sapele town and arrested five suspected cultists namely; Eremoje Dudun Oritsedere aka ( General), a 34-yr-old man from Deghele community in Warri South West LGA Delta State,but a resident of Oton community in Sapele, who was alleged to have in his possession the gang’s AK 47 rifle, Emmanuel Irhurhu,29-yr-oldof Oton community in Sapele, Godstime Jacob, 25-yr-oldof Jesse community in Ethiope West LGA Delta State, Ighene Jeferry , 29;of Jesse Town in Ethiope LGA,Delta State and Iboyi Gain(33),of Mosoghar Community in Ethiope West LGA Delta State.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that they are suspected to be members of the supreme Vikings Confraternity. The suspects were arrested on the strength of confessions made by one Philip Okunumah aka “G3” (male)28-yr-old of Jesse in Ethiope West LGA Delta State earlier arrested who confessed to a series of cult-related killings. An abandoned operational Toyota Corolla with Reg. No KWL 635 BU and a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition were recovered.”

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police Delta State,CP Olufemi Abaniwonda has urged parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from all cult-related activities.

He also advised members of the public to contact the Police and report any suspicious persons or movement in their environment.(Daily Independent)