Police Arrest 13 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms in Delta
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected cultists and recovered several firearms, vehicles, and other dangerous items during a tactical operation at Ekraka Community Forest, Kokori, in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed credible intelligence received on December 20, 2025, indicating that members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation ceremony within the forested area.
Acting on the intelligence, the Commander of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), SP Collins Achem, deployed operatives to disrupt the planned gathering. At about 11:00 p.m., the police team stormed the location, where the suspects reportedly opened fire on the operatives upon sighting them. The officers responded tactically, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others escaped further into the forest.
A subsequent search of the area led to 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 include cult-related aprons bearing the “NBM” insignia, cut razor blades, mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs.
The police also recovered seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group. The vehicles were towed to the QRS base in Warri.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to determine their individual roles, dismantle the cult network, and apprehend other fleeing members.
The Delta State Police Command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crime, urging parents, community leaders, schools, faith-based organisations, and youths to collaborate with security agencies in combating cult-related activities. Residents were also encouraged to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts across the state.
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