Police Raid Cult Anniversary Party in Asaba, Arrest 95 Suspected Cultists, Recover Pump-Action Guns

Delta State Police Command has arrested 95 suspected cultists and recovered five firearms in coordinated raids across four local government areas of the state.

The operations were carried out on October 15, 2026, in Asaba, Agbor, Ughelli South and Okpe, following directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, to intensify intelligence-led operations against cultism.

Police spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, said 67 suspects — 55 males and 12 females — were arrested at a hotel along Abraka Road, Asaba, where members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity (SVC), also known as Aro Bagger, were allegedly gathering for an anniversary celebration.

Exhibits recovered from the hotel include two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing cult insignia and two branded cult jackets.

In a related operation at Agbor, Ika South LGA, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested 15 additional suspects — 14 males and one female — with items linked to the same confraternity.

Similarly, in Jeremy Community, Ughelli South LGA, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU) in collaboration with a civilian anti-cult group raided a hideout and arrested three suspects — John Pius, 32, Oghene Ochuko, 28, and Akinbule Godstime, 24.

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Two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two cult caps and charms were recovered, while other suspects fled.

Another 10 suspects were arrested at Jeddo Community, Okpe LGA, in connection with suspected cult activities.

The suspects and exhibits are in police custody, while investigations are ongoing, Edafe said.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale commended the operatives and directed Area Commanders, DPOs and tactical commanders to sustain the offensive against cult groups, warning that the command would not tolerate activities capable of threatening public peace.

He warned that the Command will not tolerate cult-related activities capable of threatening public peace and urged residents to support the Police with credible information.

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