Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a gang of suspected cultists and gun dealers, recovering several firearms and ammunition during two separate operations across the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, and made available to journalists in Warri on Wednesday.

According to Edafe, the police recorded major breakthroughs in their intensified crackdown on violent crimes through two coordinated operations that led to multiple arrests and weapon seizures.

The first operation followed a report received on October 25, 2025, from a resident of Aviara community under the Oleh Division, who informed the police about a viral video posted on a WhatsApp group, “Real Men,” depicting suspected Eiye cult activities.

Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer of Oleh Division, CSP Keme Osuluku, launched a discreet investigation that led to the arrest of Donatus Odovo (29), a resident of Aviara.

Further investigations resulted in the arrest of Zachariah Okeh (36), alleged to be an Eiye cult leader in the same community.

During a search at Okeh’s residence, officers recovered one locally made double-barrel gun, one single-barrel gun, and six live cartridges. Both suspects are currently in custody, and efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the cult group.

In a related development, on October 27, 2025, at about 1:45 p.m., operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), while conducting a stop-and-search along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, intercepted a Toyota RAV4 (Reg. No. EPE 189 GN) driven by Mordi Emmanuel (45) of Asaba.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol (breech No. 5182207) and four live rounds hidden in an envelope.

Subsequently, a search warrant was executed at Emmanuel’s residence, where officers found a pump-action shotgun (breech No. 20-R-3921) and four additional cartridges. The suspect and exhibits are now in custody, as investigations continue.

Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, lauded their professionalism and the vigilance of community members who provided credible intelligence.

He reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal possession of firearms, emphasizing the importance of intelligence-led policing and strong community partnerships.

Abaniwonda urged residents to remain alert and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.