By EDEKI IGAFE

The Police Command in Delta has arrested 13 suspected cultists in two separate and coordinated operations in the state.

Spokesman for the command, SP Bright Edafe disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Warri.

Edafe said that the suspects were apprehended on Thursday by the command’s Anti-Cult Unit, Ovwian-Aladja Sector, in collaboration with civilian anti-cult group.

He said that the suspected hoodlums were nabbed at Jeremy and Jedo Communities in Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas respectively.

Edafe said that the arrest was sequel to credible information on the activities of the miscreants.

“Following intelligence gathering on suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity cult group at Jeremy and Jedo Communities.

“The command’s Anti-Cult Unit, Ovwian-Aladja Sector, in collaboration with civilian anti-cult group, raided a criminal hideout and arrested three suspects at Jeremy Community.

“Two locally-made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps bearing suspected cult insignia and suspected charms were recovered from them.

“In same vein, at Jedo community, 10 additional male suspects were arrested in connection with suspected cult activities,” he said.

Edafe said that the suspects and exhibits were currently in the custody of the police, adding that the command has intensified investigation in the matter.

He also said that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the command, Mr Samuel Erale had commended efforts of the operatives.

Edafe said that the commissioner had directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to intensify operations to curb cult-related activities in the state.

According to Edafe, the commissioner has warned against cult-related activities and urged residents to support the police with credible information. (NAN)