Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Asaba, Nigeria — In a coordinated sweep against organised crime in Delta State, the Delta State Police Command has apprehended 13 suspected cultists during a forest operation in Ethiope East Local Government Area, recovering firearms, ammunition, and vehicles allegedly linked to criminal networks. The operation forms part of intensified efforts by the command to tackle cultism and related criminality that have long plagued communities in the southern region of the state.
The arrests were made on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, when the Quick Response Squad of the Delta State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence, launched a targeted raid on a forest enclave believed to be a hideout for cultists and other criminal elements. The suspects, whose identities have not yet been officially released, were taken into custody following an exchange of gunfire between police operatives and the hoodlums.
In the course of the operation, police recovered a number of firearms and ammunition, reinforcing concerns about the growing sophistication and firepower of cult‑related groups operating within the state. Additionally, several vehicles, thought to have been used for the movement and logistical support of the suspects’ activities, were seized as exhibits and are set to be subjected to forensic and ownership verification as the investigation progresses.
Delta State Police authorities described the operation as a significant tactical success, reflecting an ongoing, intelligence‑driven crackdown on cultism and violent crime across the region. A statement issued following the raid emphasised the command’s determination to dismantle criminal networks that disrupt public safety and undermine community confidence.
Cultism — a term in Nigeria often associated with secret confraternities and organised groups that engage in violent turf wars, extortion, kidnapping and other forms of criminality — has been a persistent security challenge in parts of Delta State, particularly in Oghara, Sapele, and surrounding areas of Ethiope East and West. Police efforts to address these threats have included regular raids on suspected hideouts, collaborative patrols with local vigilance groups, and community engagement to improve information sharing.
The Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has repeatedlystressed that cultism and violent crime have no place in the state’s communities. In recent months, the command has highlighted a series of operations in which suspected cultists and armed robbers were arrested and dangerous weapons, including pistols, rifles, live ammunition and stolen vehicles, were confiscated. These operations have targeted both traditional cult groups and armed syndicates whose activities intersect with kidnapping, banditry, and organised robbery.
Security analysts in the state observe that criminal networks linked to cult groups often exploit Delta State’s dense forests and rural terrain to evade law enforcement and carry out ambushes, extortion, and other illicit activities. These groups sometimes overlap with other criminal enterprises, creating complex security environments that require coordinated action by police, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
Residents of Ethiope East and neighbouring communities expressed mixed reactions following news of the arrests. While many welcomed the police intervention and expressed hope that it would curb violence and restore peace, others voiced concerns about the potential for reprisal attacks or community backlash against suspects perceived to be affiliated with local groups. Civic leaders in the area called for sustained security presence and deeper community policing initiatives to reassure citizens.
The police command has urged members of the public to continue providing credible information to law enforcement agencies, stressing that community cooperation was essential to successfully dismantle entrenched criminal networks. Authorities have warned that individuals found harbouring or aiding cultists and other criminals would face legal consequences under Nigeria’s stringent anti‑cultism and weapons laws.
Legal experts note that the effective prosecution of the arrested suspects will hinge on the thorough documentation of evidence, prompt filing of charges, and observance of due process to ensure convictions and uphold judicial standards. The involvement of independent oversight bodies and the judiciary will be crucial in formalising charges against the suspects and preventing prolonged pretrial detentions.
The broader effort to reduce cultism and violent crime in Delta State aligns with national security priorities, as Nigeria continues to grapple with multiple forms of internal insecurity that affect its southern and central regions. Strategies to combat cultism include not only targeted police operations but also community education, social intervention programs aimed at youth disengagement from criminal groups, and investment in economic opportunities that can provide alternatives to joining violent organisations.
As investigations proceed, the Delta State Police Command has indicated that additional arrests and recoveries may follow, as intelligence leads are pursued and evidence is analysed. The operation is part of an expanding portfolio of security actions aimed at dismantling cult networks and restoring safety to communities affected by decades of criminal activity.
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