FIC REPORT (DELTA STATE) – The Delta State Police Command has successfuly rescued a kidnapped woman, arrest fifty-four (54) suspected cultists, and recover one locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge and suspected cannabis.
A press statement by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP. Bright Edafe, stated that on 23rd September 2026, acting on a distress call regarding the kidnap of a woman (Name withheld), the DPO Oghara Division led operatives of the Division, Quick Response Squad, vigilantes and hunters into Ovade Forest in continuation of efforts to rescue the kidnapped 48-year-old woman.
The statement further noted that during the operation, about four suspected kidnappers engaged the team in a gun duel but were forced to retreat, abandoning the victim, who was rescued unhurt.
The operatives pursued the fleeing suspects, during which one unidentified suspect was found lifeless, while another, Abubakhar Sani, was apprehended with gunshot injuries. both of them were later confirmed dead at the hospital.
One dagger, a NIN slip, OPay Verve card, Tecno mobile phone and other personal effects were recovered.
The victim, the statement added, “is stable and undergoing debriefing, while efforts to apprehend the other fleeing suspects are ongoing.”
In another operation, on 19th September 2026, operatives of Abraka Division, supported by personnel of the State Intelligence Department (SID) and local vigilantes, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected cult initiation gathering in Eku and arrested thirty (30) suspects, comprising twenty-nine males and one female.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the gathering was allegedly connected with the initiation of new members into the Black Axe Confraternity.
The suspects were transferred to the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Sector 2, Ozoro, for further investigation.
Further intelligence developed from the investigation led the Commander, CACU Sector 2, Ozoro, and his operatives to Obiaruku on 20th September 2026, where twenty (20) additional suspects, comprising fifteen males and five females, were arrested over suspected cult-related activities. Investigation is ongoing to establish their individual involvement.
Also, on 20th September 2026, four male suspected cultists were arrested in Ubulu-Uku in connection with a suspected cult-related killing and handed over to operatives of the Command Anti-Cult Unit (CACU), Asaba, for further investigation.
The suspects, Okwudili Ozah, 34; Chekwube Onwuka, 18; Onyebe Emmanuel, 19; and Ozoremenem Izuchukwu, 21, are suspected members of the Supreme Vikings and Eiye confraternities.
Recovered during the operation were one locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun, one live cartridge and a quantity of substance suspected to be cannabis.
The victim was taken to a medical facility, where he was confirmed dead, and his remains deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
Investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the killing and the individual involvement of the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, commended the operatives and other security stakeholders involved in the operations.
He reiterated the Command’s resolve to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, warning criminal elements to desist or face the full weight of the law. The CP assured residents that the Command would continue to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally held weapons and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice
Celestine Afokobah
FIC Asaba Delta State
24th September, 2026
