Delta Police Arrest 3 Suspected Cultists, Recover AK-47, Pump-Action Guns

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested three suspected cultists and recovered one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns and 55 rounds of live ammunition in two separate intelligence-led operations in the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Edafe said operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers, on October 4, stormed a hideout in a bush around Uduere Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area.

According to him, the suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun duel.

The suspects fled the scene after they were overpowered by the superior firepower of the police.

“A search of the hideout led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, seven live cartridges, one knife, one cutlass and one mobile phone,” Edafe said.

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He said a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.

In a related operation, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), on October 5, acting on intelligence on cult activities in Kokori Community, Ethiope East LGA, stormed a location along Ekrakra Road, Kokori, where suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity were allegedly holding a meeting.

Edafe said the suspects fled in different directions on sighting the operatives, but three suspects — Uzubu Ufuoma, 33; Solomon Ovie, 27; and Remember Emuere, 31 — were arrested.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly led operatives to an abandoned building at Okodjerhe Village, Kokori, where one automatic pump-action gun belonging to the group was recovered.

The suspects are currently in custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members, Edafe added.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, warned criminal elements, particularly kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists, that the command will continue to identify their hideouts, disrupt their activities and bring them to justice.

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He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the police with credible information on suspicious persons and activities in their communities.