By: Ike Philip Abiagom
The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes, recording the arrest of eleven suspected cultists and armed robbers, alongside the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other incriminating items in coordinated operations across Ughelli and Sapele.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, ordered an intelligence-led manhunt following recent cult-related clashes and killings in Ughelli and other parts of the state. Acting on this directive, operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) have made significant breakthroughs.
In Ughelli, CP-SAT operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson dismantled a cult killing network linked to recent violence in the area. Acting on credible intelligence, the team initially arrested two suspects — Warri Ochuko (40) of Orogun Community and Lucky Okohwoake (23) of Afiesere Community, both in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
Police sources said the suspects made confessional statements during interrogation, providing information that led to follow-up operations across the Ughelli metropolis. Six additional suspects were subsequently arrested. They include Richard William (28) of Uwheru Community; Onorode Pius (27) of Otor-Udu Community, Udu LGA; Sunday Jakpor (20) of Orhunwhun Community, Udu LGA; Victory Ogbemudia (25) of Oleh Community, Isoko South LGA; Raymond Arhiakpore (39) of Agbara Community; and Precious Wanogho (34) of Orogun Community.
A locally made gun and four live cartridges were recovered from the suspects. Preliminary investigations revealed that they are members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and allegedly participated in the killing of one Alex Adanike (37), who was murdered on January 15, 2026, at the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli.
In a related operation in Sapele on January 26, 2026, CP-SAT operatives raided a suspected criminal hideout at the Irapa area of the town, arresting three suspects. They are Kome Temienoro (25) of Jesse Community, Ethiope East LGA; Ogaga Omogene (17) of Ugbuwe Community, Ethiope East LGA; and Biokoro Francis (42) of Okogborode Community, Sapele LGA.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of a wooden-carved pistol, a battle axe, a bulletproof vest, quantities of illicit drugs and other incriminating items. Police also recovered a white Toyota Venza vehicle suspected to have been used for criminal operations.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said investigations are ongoing to determine the suspects’ roles and possible links to cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
The Commissioner of Police reassured residents of Delta State of the Command’s resolve to rid the state of cultism and violent criminality, urging members of the public to continue to provide timely and credible information, with assurances of strict confidentiality.