Delta Police Arrest 16 Cultists, Seize Firearms in Sapele

On July 17, 2026, the Delta State Police Command, through its Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), arrested 16 suspected cultists in Amukpe, Ika North East Local Government Area. The operation followed intelligence reports leading to a raid on a criminal hideout.

The police recovered three locally made pistols, six live cartridges, eight rounds of live ammunition, two axes, and a cannabis grinder among incriminating exhibits. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are allegedly members of the Aiy confraternity and are linked to cult-related activities within Sapele.

Additionally, two of the suspects were connected to an alleged attack on a male victim in Illabor community, Ika North East Local Government Area. The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to determine their involvement in cult-related crimes and to apprehend other members of the syndicate.