In a sustained crackdown on violent crime, the Delta State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs with the arrest of suspected cultists and armed crime suspects.

The police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the arrest, said the police also recovered some dangerous firearms and live ammunition in several operations carried out across the state.

The decisive actions, executed through coordinated intelligence-led operations, signify a renewed offensive by the Command against cultism, armed robbery, and other violent crimes threatening public peace and safety.

According to him, the first operation was launched after a resident of Aviara community under Oleh Division reported a disturbing video showing suspected Eiye cult activities, which had been circulated on a WhatsApp group known as “Real Men.”

Upon receipt of the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oleh Division, CSP Keme Osuluku, immediately deployed a team of detectives for discreet investigation.

He said the police were acting on intelligence, which resulted in the operatives arresting one Donatus Odovo (29), a resident of Aviara community, in connection with the viral video.

Subsequent interrogation led to the arrest of Zachariah Okeh (36), described by police sources as an alleged Eiye cult leader in the area. A search of his residence yielded a cache of firearms, including one locally made double-barrelled gun, one locally made single-barrelled gun, and six live cartridges.

The police image maker confirmed that both suspects are in custody and undergoing intensive questioning as efforts are underway to track down other members of the cult network operating within the community.

SP Edafe also hinted that the command’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS) achieved another breakthrough on October 27, 2025, when officers on a stop-and-search patrol along the Asaba–Benin Expressway intercepted a Toyota RAV4 with registration number EPE 189 GN, driven by Mordi Emmanuel (45) of Family Estate, Asaba.

“During a routine inspection, the operatives discovered a fabricated Beretta pistol with breech number 5182207 and four live rounds concealed in an envelope inside the vehicle.

“Following directives from the RRS Commander, CSP Nosa Alex, a search warrant was obtained and executed at the suspect’s residence, where police further recovered one pump-action shotgun (breech No. 20-R-3921) and four live cartridges”, the spokesperson added.

He said all recovered exhibits are in police custody as investigations intensify to establish possible links between the suspect and any armed robbery or criminal syndicate operating in the state. (The Guardian)