The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old suspected cultist and recovered a locally made firearm and ammunition during a surveillance operation in Orerokpe community, Okpe Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, disclosed this on Monday in Warri while briefing journalists on recent security operations carried out by operatives of the command.
Edafe said the arrest was made on Saturday, April 11, 2026, by operatives of the Delta Shield unit during a routine surveillance patrol aimed at curbing cult-related activities and other violent crimes in the area.
According to Edafe, the suspect was intercepted during patrol operations in Orerokpe, where officers conducted a search on him after noticing suspicious behaviour.
He explained that the search led to the recovery of one locally fabricated double-barrel cut-to-size pistol, two live cartridges, one expended cartridge, and a sachet containing suspected Tramadol.
Edafe further stated that preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly confessed to being a leader of the Juris Confraternity, a known cult group operating within parts of the state.
He added that the suspect is currently in police custody while investigations continue to determine the extent of his involvement in cult-related activities and to identify other members of the group.
The police spokesperson reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained operations against cultism, illegal arms possession and drug-related offences across Delta State, noting that surveillance patrols had been intensified in vulnerable communities.
He assured residents that the command would continue to work proactively to ensure safety and prevent further criminal activities in the state.
