By Lucky Uto
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested suspected cultists and recovered firearms during intelligence-driven operations in Asaba and Ughelli.
The operations, carried out by the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson, targeted criminal hideouts linked to cultism, armed robbery and murder.
In one operation conducted in the early hours of March 8, 2026, police stormed a hideout at Umunaji area near “Stop Abortion” Junction in Asaba following credible intelligence about suspected cultists operating in the area.
During the raid, officers arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Chukwudi Ekenna.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol, two locally made cut-to-size guns and ten live cartridges.
Police spokesman SP Edafe Bright said the suspect is currently in custody and has provided useful information to investigators as efforts continue to track down other members of the criminal gang.
In a separate operation linked to a cult-related murder case, the CP-SAT team also arrested two suspected cult leaders in Ughelli.
The suspects, Joshua Okpogona, 30, and Raphael Omokerhe, 37, popularly known as “Black Python,” were arrested at a hotel in the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli on March 6, 2026, around 11:30 a.m.
Police identified Okpogona as the current Ughelli leader of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and the alleged mastermind behind a cult-related killing that occurred on January 15, 2026, in the Iwhrekpokpo area of the town.
According to the police, Omokerhe is the immediate past leader of the same cult group.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, said the command will continue its crackdown on cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
He urged residents to support the police with credible information to help maintain peace and security across the state.
