Delta Police Arrest 13 Suspected Cultists in Ethiope East

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Delta State Police Command has arrest of 13 suspected members of a notorious cult group in Ethiope East Local Government Area.

The suspects arrested during a tactical operation at the Ekraka Community Forest in Kokori, followed credible intelligence received on December 20, 2025, indicating that members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation ceremony in the area.

According to the State Police Public Relation Officer, Bright Edafe, the Commander of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), SP Collins Achem, immediately mobilised operatives to forestall the planned gathering.

He said at about 11:00 p.m., the team moved to the identified location, where the suspects reportedly engaged officers in a gun duel on sighting the patrol.

The Police said the operatives responded tactically, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others escaped deeper into the forest.

A search of the area led to the recovery of two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun, a battle axe, aprons bearing “NBM” insignia, cut razor blades, mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs.

In addition, seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by the cult group were recovered and towed to the QRS Base in Warri.

The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue to determine their individual roles, dismantle the network, and track down other fleeing members.

Reaffirming its zero-tolerance stance on cultism and violent crime, the Delta State Police Command called on parents, schools, community and faith leaders, as well as youths, to see the fight against cultism as a collective responsibility.

The Command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to support ongoing security efforts across the state.