The Delta State Police Command has arrested 13 suspected cultists during a late-night operation in a forest within Kokori Community, Ethiope-East Local Government Area of the state. The suspects were arrested following an exchange of gunfire with police operatives during a raid on the Ekraka forest.
The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) of the Delta State Police Command at about 11:00 p.m. on December 20. Other suspected members of the cult group reportedly fled the scene and escaped deeper into the forest.
The police also recovered firearms, dangerous weapons, vehicles, and other items believed to be linked to cult activities during the operation.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, and sent to journalists in Warri.
According to the police, the operation followed credible intelligence that suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as the Black Axe, were planning to hold an initiation ceremony inside the forest.
“Following credible intelligence received on December 20, 2025, that suspected members of the Aiye Confraternity were planning an initiation ceremony within the forest, the Commander of the Quick Response Squad, SP Collins Achem, immediately activated operational assets to stop the criminal gathering,” Edafe said.
Cult-related violence has been a major security challenge in parts of Delta State for many years. Rival cult clashes, initiation rites, and criminal activities linked to cult groups have often led to loss of lives, destruction of property, and fear among residents.
In recent times, the Delta State Police Command has intensified efforts to dismantle cult networks and prevent criminal activities, especially in rural communities and forested areas believed to serve as hideouts for such groups.
Edafe explained that acting on the intelligence report, the QRS commander led a team of specially trained operatives to the identified location in the forest.
“At about 2300 hours, the patrol team arrived at the location. On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a gun duel,” the police spokesperson said.
He added that the police team responded with what he described as professionalism and tactical superiority, which led to the arrest of 13 suspects at the scene.
“Several other suspects fled into the forest during the encounter,” Edafe stated.
After securing the area, the operatives conducted a search of the forest, which led to the recovery of various items believed to be used for cult activities and other crimes.
Recovered exhibits include two automatic pump-action guns, one double-barrel cut-to-size gun, and one single-barrel cut-to-size gun. The police also recovered a battle axe, aprons bearing “NBM” insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, charms, several mobile phones, and substances suspected to be hard drugs.
In addition to the weapons and other items, the police recovered seven vehicles believed to belong to members of the cult group. The vehicles were towed to the Quick Response Squad base in Warri for further investigation.
The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations have commenced to determine their individual roles within the group. The police said efforts are ongoing to dismantle the cult network and track down other members who escaped during the operation.
Edafe noted that cult groups often use forests and isolated areas to carry out initiation ceremonies and plan criminal activities in order to avoid detection.
He said the Delta State Police Command remains committed to ridding the state of cultism and other violent crimes, adding that intelligence-led policing remains a key strategy.
Residents of Kokori Community and surrounding areas have expressed relief over the arrests, saying cult activities have been a source of fear and insecurity.
A resident who spoke anonymously said, “We have been hearing rumours of cult meetings in the forest. This arrest gives us hope that the police are serious about protecting us.”
Delta State has witnessed several cult-related incidents in the past, particularly involving rival confraternities. These clashes often affect young people and have disrupted peace in many communities.
The state government and security agencies have repeatedly warned youths against involvement in cultism, stressing that such activities only lead to crime, imprisonment, or loss of life.
The police have urged members of the public to continue to provide useful information that can help security agencies prevent crime. According to the command, timely intelligence from residents plays a vital role in successful operations like the one carried out in Kokori.
SP Edafe also warned that the police would not relent in their efforts to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in cultism or other criminal acts.
“The Delta State Police Command will continue to take decisive action against all forms of criminality,” he said.
As investigations continue, the arrested suspects are expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of police inquiries.