The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected cultists and armed robbery suspects in separate intelligence-led operations across Warri, Ughelli, and Sapele, recovering firearms and live ammunition.
In a statement posted on the official page by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command revealed that the operations led to the seizure of one pump-action gun, one fabricated Beretta pistol, one cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun, and 27 live cartridges.
According to the statement, on February 27, 2026, at about 11:35 p.m., operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, raided the Ekredjebor area of Ughelli and arrested one Oghenemaro Festus of Upper Agbarho. A pump-action gun loaded with two live cartridges was recovered from him.
“The suspect is strongly linked to a series of house-to-house robberies that have caused concern among residents of the area, and the team has intensified efforts to track down other members of the gang currently at large,” the PR officer said.
Following complaints from residents of Sapele about serial robberies allegedly carried out by a motorcycle-riding syndicate, operatives of the same CP Special Assignment Team conducted a targeted operation in the early hours of March 1, 2026.
At about 3:35 a.m., one Prince Omanure, also known as Anini, aged 21, was arrested in the Ghana Area of Sapele.
The suspect later led officers to a bush along the Warri-Sapele Road near the Trailer Park, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with eight rounds of live ammunition was recovered. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
In a related operation on February 27, 2026, at about 9:14 a.m., operatives of the Quick Response Squad, led by SP Achem Collins, raided a building on Okwagbe Street, Igbudu Warri, following intelligence that suspected cult members were assembling to launch attacks.
Three suspects Nelson Mudiagha, also known as Diara, Efe Nyore, and Ebube Ifeanyi were arrested, while others escaped. A search of the premises recovered a cut-to-size locally fabricated double-barrel gun and 17 live cartridges concealed inside the building.
“The suspects confessed to being members of the Black Axe Confraternity, also known as Ayes. Investigation is ongoing, while efforts are in top gear to apprehend other fleeing members and ensure they are brought to justice,” the PRO said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, assured residents that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and dismantling criminal networks across the state.