Police Arrest 13 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms

The Delta State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected members of a cult group and recovered several firearms and other dangerous items from them.

The operation was carried out on Saturday in Ethiope East local government area following credible intelligence that members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation ceremony at the Ekraka Community Forest in Kokori.

According to the police, operatives of the “Quick Response Squad” (QRS) led by its commander, SP Collins Achem, were deployed to the area to prevent the event.

Confirming the development, the commmand’s public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, said, “At about 11:00 p.m., the patrol team encountered the suspects, who engaged the operatives in a gun duel upon sighting them.

“The operatives responded decisively, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others escaped deeper into the forest.

“A search of the forest resulted in the recovery of two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun and a battle axe.

“Other items recovered included aprons bearing ‘NBM’ insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs.

“In addition, seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group were recovered and towed to the QRS Base in Warri.

“The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their individual roles, dismantle the cult network, and apprehend other fleeing members”, he said.

The Delta State Police Command has urged parents, schools, community leaders, faith leaders, and youths to view the fight against cultism as a collective responsibility.