- Odibo Victory
The Delta State Police Command has nabbed nine suspected cult members and recovered arms in separate operations in the state.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe in a statement issued on Wednesday in Asaba.
Edafe said that operatives on Sept. 13, acting on credible intelligence, executed a search warrant on a residence on Ghana Quarters Street, Umuebu Road, Obiaruku, where seven suspects were arrested
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly admitted to being members of the Vikings and Black Axe confraternities, and confirmed their alleged involvement in internet fraud,” the PPRO said.
He said that one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, one live cartridge, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, one battle axe, mobile phones, and a laptop computer were recovered from the suspects.
Edafe said that investigation was ongoing to establish their individual roles, the source of the recovered firearm and possible links to other criminal activities.
In a similar development, personnel of Onicha-Olona Police Division also arrested two suspects over alleged cult-related attack on residents of Issele-Ikpitime Village.
According to him, one locally made cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects.
“The operatives also rescued a man who sustained a gunshot injury during the attack and evacuated him to the hospital for treatment.
“Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang.
Edafe quoted the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Samuel Erale, as warning against cult-related violence and illegal possession of firearms.
Erale also pledged that the sources of the recovered firearms and other persons connected with the suspects would be identified.
He assured that the command would continue to act on credible intelligence to disrupt criminal activities across the state.