Police Rescue Man With Gunshot Wound, Arrest 9 Suspected Cultists in Delta

…Recover Firearms, Battle Axe in Delta

A man suspected to have been kidnapped has been rescued by operatives of the Delta State Police Command with a gunshot injury sustained during an operation that led to the arrest of nine suspected cultists in separate operations at Obiaruku and Issele-Ikpitime.

The operation resulted in the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barreled gun, one locally made cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge, suspected illicit drugs, and a battle axe.

The suspects were arrested by operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Ubulu-Uku, who executed a search warrant at premises along Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, acting on a credible intelligence report on September 13, 2026.

Confirming the arrest, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe said the search led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barreled gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, one battle axe, mobile phones, and a laptop computer. 

He said that seven suspects—Wisdom Enede, 25; Ocheli Solomon, 42; Nnaji Godstime, 23; Izu Thankgod, 28; Kester Adishi, 31; Oghonogho Pentecost, 28; and Adishi Prince, 28—were arrested during the operation.

Advertisement

According to Edafe, during preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted membership in the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities and made statements regarding their alleged involvement in internet fraud.

He disclosed that the investigation is ongoing to establish their individual roles, the source of the recovered firearm, and possible links to other criminal activities.

Similarly, on 12th September 2026, operatives from the Onicha-Olona Division responded to a reported cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village. 

The police image maker said that the Divisional patrol team was immediately deployed, which led to the arrest of Emmanuel Believe, 29, and Israel Nwaobi, 27, both of Issele-Ikpitime Village, and the recovery of one locally made cut-to-size gun. 

He added that operatives also rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and evacuated him to a hospital for treatment. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other gang members, he added.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, directed that the sources of the recovered firearms and other persons connected with the suspects be identified. 

Advertisement

He warned against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms, assuring that the Command will continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across the State.