Police Arrest Seven Suspected Cultists, Recover Gun, Ammunition in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has arrested seven suspected cult members and recovered a firearm, ammunition and other items during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Issele Uku.

The operation was carried out on July 27, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Special Anti Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), following what the police described as credible intelligence.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects identified as Promise Esenjor, 26; Wisdom Victor, 23; James Wisdom, 25; Chinedu Munonye, 22; Onyemakonor Collins, 20; Unah Oluchi, 21; and Azomani Favour, 23.

The police said the suspects were from different communities in Delta State, including Abavo, Umunede, Agbor and Issele Uku.

Preliminary investigation, according to the Command, indicated that the suspects confessed to being members of the Maphite cult group.

Items recovered during the operation included a double barrel gun, seven live cartridges, a cutlass, a beret bearing the Maphite insignia, seven Android phones and other items suspected to be connected with criminal activities.

The police said the arrests formed part of ongoing efforts by the Command to tackle cultism, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The Command added that investigation was continuing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ activities and identify other persons who may be connected with the alleged criminal network.

The suspects will be subjected to further investigation and legal proceedings in accordance with applicable laws.