Delta Police Foil Eiye Confraternity Initiation, Arrest 32 Suspected Cultists

The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cult-related activities, arresting 32 suspected cultists and recovering firearms, ammunition, and illicit drugs during separate intelligence-led operations in Agbarho and Azagba-Ogwashi.

The major operation was carried out by operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), who stormed a suspected cult initiation ground in Agbarho in the early hours of June 16 following intelligence reports that members of the Eiye Confraternity were allegedly planning fresh attacks and the initiation of new members.

According to the police, the suspects were believed to be linked to recent cult-related killings in Agbor.

The Command said its operatives came under gunfire upon arriving at the location but responded professionally, resulting in the arrest of 25 suspects. Two of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and are currently receiving medical treatment.

Items recovered from the scene included one pump-action shotgun and one cut-to-size firearm, while several other suspects reportedly escaped.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Command Anti-Cultism Unit (CACU) raided a suspected criminal hideout in Azagba-Ogwashi on June 14.

The raid led to the arrest of seven suspected cultists identified as Obore Ndubrisi (26), Okafor Okene (25), Odinigie Sunday (26), Okohur Destiny (21), Felix Abraham (25), Aputa Israel (27), and Okolie Chinonso Peter (24).

Exhibits recovered from the suspects included one double-barrel gun, two live cartridges, and quantities of suspected illicit drugs.

The police said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle cult groups, curb violent crimes, and improve security across Delta State.

Investigations are ongoing, while efforts have been intensified to track down other fleeing suspects connected to the cases.