Six suspected cultists have been arrested in Delta State. The arrests took place in Abraka and Ethiope East Local Government Areas. Operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit made the arrests on Friday. The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Saturday in Warri.
Cultism has plagued Delta State for years. The Vikings, Black Axe and Maphite confraternities operate in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and Abraka. Abraka is a university town. Its student population makes it a recruiting ground. In 2026 alone, the police have arrested over 95 suspected cultists in the state. In March, police arrested 213 suspects in a single operation. In October, authorities arraigned 22 suspected Vikings members. The cults persist because they are embedded in local politics and economics. Arrests disrupt networks. They do not dismantle them.
The operatives acted on credible information. They raided a hotel suspected to be a hideout for drug-related activities. During the operation, they arrested six suspected cultists. A bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered. Some accomplices fled when they saw the operatives approaching. Police are investigating the firearm's ownership and source. Efforts are ongoing to identify other persons connected with the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, reiterated the command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations. He appealed to residents to be vigilant and assist the police with credible information.
Winners: The police, which demonstrates capacity. Residents of Abraka, who gain temporary relief. The judiciary, if convictions follow. Losers: The six suspects, who face prosecution. Cult networks, which lose operatives and a weapon. Accomplices who fled, who remain at large. The community, which faces continued cult violence.
Bottom Line: Six arrests. One firearm. A hotel hideout shut. The police are working. The cults are not defeated. They will regroup. The operation must be sustained. Intelligence is the tool. The community must cooperate.