The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cultism and armed robbery, foiling a planned cult attack and dismantling criminal networks in Warri, Ughelli and Sapele through intelligence-driven operations that led to multiple arrests and the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, March 2, 2026, noting that the operations underscore the Command’s renewed commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
According to the statement, operatives of the Command carried out coordinated raids that resulted in the arrest of suspected armed robbers and cultists, as well as the recovery of one cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun, one pump-action gun, one fabricated Beretta pistol and twenty-seven rounds of live cartridges.
Armed Robbery Suspect Nabbed In Ughelli
The Command revealed that on February 27, 2026, at about 11:35 pm, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team led by ASP Julius Robinson stormed the Ekredjebor area of Ughelli following credible intelligence.
During the operation, one Oghenemaro Festus of the Upper Agbarho area was arrested. A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a pump-action gun loaded with two live cartridges.
Police sources linked the suspect to a series of house-to-house robberies that had heightened fear among residents in the area. Investigators have since intensified efforts to track down other members of the robbery gang who are currently at large.
Motorcycle Robbery Syndicate Disrupted In Sapele
In a related development, the Command acted on persistent complaints from residents of Sapele concerning serial robberies carried out by a motorcycle-riding syndicate.
In the early hours of March 1, 2026, operatives carried out a targeted operation and arrested a 21-year-old suspect, Prince Omanure, also known as “Anini,” in the Ghana Area of Sapele.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly led operatives to a bush along the Warri-Sapele Road near a trailer park, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition had been concealed. Police said the suspect has provided useful information, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
Cultists Arrested, Planned Attack Averted In Warri
The Police also disclosed that on February 27, 2026, at about 9:14 am, operatives of the Quick Response Squad led by SP Achem Collins acted on intelligence that members of a notorious cult group were planning attacks on residents in Warri and surrounding communities.
The operatives conducted a sting operation at a building located on Okwagbe Street, Igbudu, Warri, where the unlawful gathering was taking place. Upon sighting the police, several suspects fled, but three suspects were arrested.
The suspects were identified as Nelson Mudiagha, also known as Diara, Efe Nyore and Ebube Ifeanyi. A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of a cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun and seventeen live cartridges concealed within the building.
Police said the suspects confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity, also known as Ayes. Investigations are ongoing, while efforts are underway to arrest fleeing members of the group.
Police Reassure Residents
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, assured residents that the safety and security of law-abiding citizens remain the Command’s top priority.
He reiterated that the Police remain resolute and uncompromising in dismantling cult groups, armed robbery syndicates and other violent criminal networks across the state.
The Command urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information that would aid proactive policing and crime prevention.
Security analysts note that sustained intelligence-led operations and community cooperation are critical in curbing criminal activities and strengthening public confidence in law enforcement across Delta State.
