The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned cult attack and dismantled suspected armed robbery networks across Warri, Ughelli and Sapele, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.

The operations, carried out through intelligence-led efforts by the Command’s Special Assignment Team and Quick Response Squad, led to the seizure of a cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun, a pump-action gun, a fabricated Beretta pistol and a total of 27 live cartridges.

On 27 February 2026 at about 11:35 p.m., operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed the Ekredjebor area of Ughelli and arrested Oghenemaro Festus of Upper Agbarho. A search led to the recovery of a pump-action gun loaded with two live cartridges. Police said the suspect is linked to a series of house-to-house robberies in the area, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

In the early hours of 1 March 2026 at about 3:35 a.m., the same team arrested Prince Omanure, also known as “Anini,” 21, in the Ghana Area of Sapele following complaints about robberies allegedly carried out by a motorcycle-riding syndicate. During interrogation, the suspect led officers to a bush along the Warri–Sapele Road near Trailer Park, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition was recovered. The Command said investigations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate.

Earlier on 27 February 2026 at about 9:14 a.m., operatives of the Quick Response Squad led by SP Achem Collins raided a building on Okwagbe Street, Igbudu, Warri, acting on intelligence that suspected cult members were assembling to launch attacks. While several suspects fled on sighting the police, three persons — Nelson Mudiagha (alias Diara), Efe Nyore and Ebube Ifeanyi — were arrested. A search of the premises led to the recovery of a cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun and 17 live cartridges.

The suspects reportedly confessed to being members of the Black Axe confraternity, also known as Ayes. Police said investigations are ongoing and efforts have been intensified to apprehend other fleeing members.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing that the crackdown on cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the state will continue unabated.