ASABA: Security operatives in Delta State have intensified their crackdown on criminal activities across the state, arresting a suspected cultist and four other individuals during separate intelligence-led raids that also led to the recovery of firearms, illicit drugs and dangerous weapons.
The operations, carried out by the Delta State Police Command, form part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security across communities.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe disclosed that the raids were executed in different locations based on credible intelligence gathered by security operatives.
According to Edafe, operatives of the Command’s Raiders Unit stormed a suspected criminal hideout in Agbor, located in Ika South Local Government Area, on April 4 at about 1:00 p.m.
During the operation, police arrested Henry Obi, a 34-year-old man said to be a native of Anambra State.
The suspect reportedly confessed during preliminary interrogation that he is a member of the notorious Aiye Confraternity, a cult group known for violent activities in several parts of Nigeria.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of an English-made pistol loaded with six rounds of live ammunition.
Police further discovered suspected illicit drugs hidden inside a standing air conditioner in the living room, a method investigators say was likely used to avoid detection during routine searches.
The suspect and the recovered items have been taken into custody while investigations continue.
In a related operation, operatives of the police Buffalo Team, working alongside members of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Achalla Branch, carried out a coordinated raid at the Hausa Market near the Customs checkpoint along the Benin–Asaba Expressway.
The raid, which took place on April 5 at about 5:09 p.m., led to the arrest of four suspects identified as:
- Yakubu Umar, 19
- Galiu Adamu, 17
- Nuhu Musa, 16
- Zaraduwu Usman, 21
Security operatives recovered several items from the suspects, including large quantities of suspected illicit drugs such as Colorado, Canadian Loud, Indian hemp, Tramadol and Swinol.
Officers also seized two locally fabricated battle axes believed to have been used for criminal activities, along with ₦144,000 in cash.
All four suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue to determine the extent of their involvement in criminal activities.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the officers involved for their professionalism and swift response.
He noted that the collaboration between police units and community vigilante groups has been crucial in strengthening the fight against crime across the state.
According to him, intelligence-driven operations remain a key strategy in dismantling criminal gangs and preventing violent crimes.
The police commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with timely and credible information.
He assured that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property while sustaining the ongoing offensive against criminal elements.
The latest arrests are part of a broader security strategy by the Delta State Police Command to curb cultism, drug trafficking and other forms of organised crime across the state.
In recent months, security agencies have increased surveillance and conducted targeted operations in several communities identified as hotspots for criminal activity.
Authorities say these efforts will continue as police seek to restore public confidence and improve safety in urban and rural areas across Delta State.
Residents have been encouraged to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities within their communities.
Police say such collaboration remains vital in sustaining the fight against crime and ensuring lasting peace across the state.
