Delta Police smash a violent cult ring after fresh killings in Ughelli, recovering weapons and arresting suspects as the state intensifies its fight against cultism.
The Delta State Police Command has intensified its security operations following the successful dismantling of a violent criminal network believed to be responsible for a wave of killings and clashes in Ughelli town and neighbouring communities.
The operation, carried out by the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), has resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of weapons linked to recent bloodshed.
The latest breakthrough comes amid growing public anxiety over recurring violence in parts of the state, where rival groups have engaged in deadly confrontations.
In Ughelli, these clashes have reportedly claimed the lives of several young men, disrupting daily life and raising concerns among residents, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders.
Sources within the command disclosed that the resurgence of attacks prompted the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, to approve an intelligence-driven manhunt targeting individuals suspected to be behind the violence.
The directive emphasized proactive policing, coordinated raids, and rapid response based on actionable intelligence gathered from informants and surveillance.
One of the most painful incidents linked to the renewed unrest was the killing of a close relative of the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Ojakovo Oharisi III.
The incident sent shockwaves through the kingdom and reinforced calls for decisive action to restore calm and protect lives and property.
Acting on the Commissioner’s directive, CP-SAT operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson moved swiftly and arrested two key suspects identified as Warri Ochuko, aged 40, from Orogun Community, and Lucky Okohwoake, aged 23, from Afiesere Community.
Both suspects reside within Ughelli North Local Government Area and were picked up following weeks of discreet surveillance.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the suspects cooperated during interrogation and provided critical information that exposed a wider network operating across Ughelli metropolis.
This intelligence paved the way for a series of coordinated arrests that further weakened the group’s operations and reach.
Subsequent operations led to the arrest of six additional suspects across different communities in Delta State.
They include Richard William (28) from Uwheru Community; Onorode Pius (27) of Otor-Udu Community in Udu LGA; Sunday Jakpor (20) from Orhunwhun Community, also in Udu LGA; Victory Ogbemudia (25) of Oleh Community in Isoko South LGA; Raymond Arhiakpore (39) of Agbara Community; and Precious Wanogho (34) from Orogun Community.
During the initial arrests, operatives recovered a locally fabricated firearm and four live cartridges, items police believe were intended for use in further attacks.
Preliminary findings revealed that the suspects allegedly admitted membership of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and confessed to participating in violent activities associated with cultism in the area.
Investigators also linked the suspects to the killing of Alex Adanike, a 37-year-old man who was attacked on January 15, 2026, in the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli.
Police say this confession has strengthened their case and opened new investigative leads.
In a separate but related development, CP-SAT operatives carried out another intelligence-led operation on January 26, 2026, at a suspected criminal hideout in the Irapa area of Sapele town.
The raid led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of a criminal support structure operating within the axis.
The suspects were identified as Kome Temienoro (25) from Jesse Community, Ethiope East LGA; Ogaga Omogene (17) from Ugbuwe Community in the same local government; and Biokoro Francis (42) of Okogborode Community, Sapele LGA.
A thorough search of the premises uncovered a wooden-carved pistol, a battle axe, a bulletproof vest, quantities of suspected illicit drugs, and other incriminating materials.
Police also recovered a white Toyota Venza vehicle suspected to have been used for criminal operations, including surveillance and movement of suspects.
Authorities believe the items recovered point to organised planning rather than random acts of violence.
SP Edafe stated that all suspects are currently undergoing profiling as investigations continue to establish their individual roles, possible sponsors, and links to other crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping, and cultism-related enforcement activities.
The Commissioner of Police has reiterated the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on violent crime, stressing that the fight against cultism remains a top priority.
He assured residents that sustained operations would continue until all criminal elements are dismantled.
He also appealed to members of the public to support the police by providing timely and credible information, assuring them of confidentiality and protection.
According to him, community cooperation is essential in eliminating cultism and restoring lasting peace across Delta State.
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