Delta Police Arrest Suspected Cultists, Gun Peddlers in Two Major Operations

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a gang of suspected cultists and gun peddlers, recovering multiple firearms and ammunition in two intelligence-led operations within the state. This development was disclosed in a statement by the police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, given to journalists in Warri on Wednesday.

The first arrest followed a report from a resident of Aviara community in the Oleh Division, who informed the police about a video posted on October 22, 2025, on a WhatsApp group showing suspected Eiye cult activities. Acting on this intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer of Oleh Division, CSP Keme Osuluku, ordered a discreet investigation leading to the arrest of Donatus Odovo, 29, linked to the video post, on October 26. Follow-up investigations resulted in the capture of Zachariah Okeh, 36, alleged to be an Eiye cult leader in Aviara. Police recovered a locally made double-barrelled gun, a single-barrelled gun, and six live cartridges from Okeh’s residence. Both suspects are in police custody as the inquiry continues.

In a separate operation on October 27, Rapid Response Squad officers intercepted a Toyota RAV4 along the Asaba-Benin expressway during a stop-and-search at about 1:45pm. The vehicle driver, Mordi Emmanuel, 45, cooperated, but police found one fabricated Beretta pistol with live rounds inside an envelope in the car. A subsequent search of his residence uncovered a pump-action shotgun and additional ammunition. Emmanuel and the exhibits remain in custody as investigations proceed.

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Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, praised the vigilance of residents and the professionalism of the officers involved in these successes. He reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance stance on cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and unlawful firearm possession. CP Abaniwonda stressed the commitment to intelligence-led policing, community collaboration, and lawful conduct, urging the public to stay alert and share credible information with the police.

This crackdown is part of ongoing efforts amid rising cult-related violence in Delta State, which continues to pose significant security challenges despite police interventions. Recent months have seen increased operations targeting cult groups, gun traffickers, and armed criminals in the state ​.