The Delta State Police Command has foiled a suspected initiation ceremony of the Black Axe Confraternity (Aye) in Orogun Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, recovering firearms, ammunition, seven vehicles and other exhibits after suspected cultists engaged operatives in a gun battle
The operation, carried out in the early hours of Sunday, July 19, 2026, followed credible intelligence that members of the Black Axe Confraternity, also known as Aye, were conducting an initiation ceremony in a forest within the community.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Command’s Quick Response Squad (QRS) stormed the location, where they came under gunfire from the suspected cultists.
The operatives responded with superior tactical firepower, forcing the suspects to abandon the scene and flee into the adjoining forest along the Abbi–Abraka axis.
A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of one pump-action gun, one cut-to-size double-barrel gun, seven live cartridges, two expended cartridges, seven vehicles, six mobile phones, suspected cult regalia and other personal effects believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing suspects.
The Police said all recovered exhibits are in custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the sustained fight against cultism and other violent crimes across the state.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information to enhance security and ensure Delta State remains safe for all.
