The Delta State Police Command have arrested 13 suspected members of a notorious cult group and recovered assorted firearms, vehicles and other dangerous items during a tactical operation in the state.
It was stated that suspects were arrested at Ekraka community forest, Kokori, in Ethiope East Local Government Area.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Tuesday.
Edafe said the breakthrough was recorded in the command’s sustained fight against cultism and violent crime across the state, “following credible intelligence received on December 20, 2025, that suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation ceremony within the forest.
“Consequently, the Commander, Quick Response Squad (QRS), SP Collins Achem, swiftly activated operational assets to forestall the criminal gathering,” the statement noted.
It continued that at about 2300hrs, the QRS Commander led a team of highly trained operatives to the identified location. On sighting the patrol team, the suspects engaged the operatives in a gun duel.
“The operatives responded with professionalism and tactical superiority, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others fled deeper into the forest.
“A search of the area resulted in the recovery of the following exhibits: two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun, one battle axe, aprons bearing ‘NBM’ insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, several mobile phones, charms, and suspected hard drugs.
“In addition, seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group were recovered and towed to the QRS Base in Warri.
“The suspects are currently in custody, while investigations have commenced to establish their individual roles, dismantle the network, and track down other fleeing members of the syndicate,” the statement partly read.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command reiterated its zero tolerance for cultism and violent crime, calling on parents, schools, community and faith leaders, as well as youths, to see the fight against cultism as a shared responsibility driven by guidance, positive role models and timely reporting.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting the police with credible information as efforts to keep the state safe continue.
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