In a major crackdown on crime, operatives of the Delta State Police Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) have dismantled criminal activities in the state, taking down suspects involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism. The operations led to the deaths of two suspected kidnappers, the arrest of five alleged cult members, and the recovery of weapons and a suspected stolen vehicle.

On October 28, 2024, at approximately 7:48 pm, CP-SAT operatives launched a raid on a known criminal hideout along the Ewheru-Patani Road in Ughelli Local Government Area. Upon arrival, the officers were ambushed by suspected criminals, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the shootout, two suspects sustained bullet injuries. Recovered from the suspects were one AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of ammunition and a Beretta pistol with two live rounds. Preliminary investigations suggest these suspects were responsible for a series of violent incidents along the Warri-Sapele road and in Masogar, as well as several killings in Oghara and Ughelli. Both injured suspects were transported to Ughelli General Hospital for treatment but were later confirmed dead by the attending doctor. Police have stated that further investigations are underway to identify additional connections and possible accomplices.

In a separate operation, acting on credible intelligence, CP-SAT operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson conducted raids on November 4, 2024, between 3:00 am and 5:30 am at various locations in Oton community and Sapele town. Five suspected cult members were apprehended, identified as Eremoje Dudun Oritsedere (aka "General"), 34, from Deghele community in Warri South West LGA; Emmanuel Irhurhu, 29, of Oton community in Sapele; Godstime Jacob, 25, of Jesse community in Ethiope West LGA; Ighene Jeffrey, 29, of Jesse Town in Ethiope LGA; and Iboyi Gain, 33, of Mosoghar Community in Ethiope West LGA. Oritsedere, allegedly the gang's leader, was said to be in possession of the gang’s AK-47 rifle.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. Their arrests followed confessions made by Philip Okunumah (aka “G3”), 28, of Jesse in Ethiope West LGA, who was previously apprehended and admitted to involvement in cult-related killings. During the operation, officers also recovered an abandoned Toyota Corolla suspected to be stolen, with the registration number KWL 635 BU, along with a Beretta pistol loaded with four live rounds of ammunition.

Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended CP-SAT for their decisive action against crime and urged parents and guardians to dissuade their children and wards from engaging in cultism. He also advised the public to report any suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. These operations underscore the Delta State Police Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state. Further investigations are ongoing.