Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested 95 suspected cultists. The arrests were made on 15 October 2026 across Asaba, Ika South, Ughelli South and Okpe Local Government Areas. The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Friday. The operations followed credible intelligence.
Cultism has plagued Delta State for years. The Vikings, Black Axe and Maphite confraternities operate in Asaba, Warri, Ughelli and Sapele. In 2026 alone, police arrested 85 suspects in the second quarter. In March, 213 suspects were arrested in a single operation. In October, 22 suspected Vikings members were arraigned. The state has launched repeated crackdowns. The cults persist because they are embedded in local politics and economics.
Police received information that suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity had assembled at a hotel along Abraka Road, Asaba, for an alleged cult anniversary celebration. A police team raided the premises and arrested 67 suspects — 55 males and 12 females. Items recovered included two pump-action guns, one locally fabricated cut-to-size gun, 10 live cartridges, five expended cartridges, 11 caps bearing suspected cult insignia and two branded cult jackets.
Another raid in Agbor, Ika South, led to the arrest of 15 suspected SVC members — 14 males and one female. Two other suspects were arrested in Jeremy community, Ughelli South, while 10 were arrested in Jeddo community, Okpe. Two locally made pistols, two live cartridges, two expended cartridges, two caps and suspected charms were recovered. All suspects and exhibits are in police custody. Investigations are ongoing.
Winners: The police, which demonstrates capacity. Communities in Delta, which gain temporary relief. The judiciary, if convictions follow. Losers: The 95 suspects, who face prosecution. Cult networks, which lose operatives and weapons. Residents, who remain at risk. The state, which faces continued cult violence.
Bottom Line: Ninety-five arrests. Five firearms. Two days of raids. The police are working. The cults are not defeated. They will regroup. The crackdown must be sustained.