The Delta State Police Command arrested 13 suspected members of a cult group and recovered several firearms and other dangerous items.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday during an initiation ceremony at the Ekraka community forest in Kokori.
The operation carried out late at night during a tactical operation in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state followed credible intelligence that members of the Aiye Confraternity, also known as Black Axe, were planning an initiation.
The police, officers of the Rapid Response Squad, led by their commander, SP Collins Achem, were quickly deployed in the area to prevent the gathering.
This was announced by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, through a statement.
“At approximately 11:00 p.m., the patrol team encountered the suspects, who allegedly engaged the officers in a gun duel upon seeing them.
“Officers responded decisively, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects, while several others escaped into the forest.
“A search in the woods resulted in the recovery of two pump-action automatic weapons, a cut-to-size double-barreled pistol, a cut-to-size single-barrel pistol, and a battle axe.
“Other items recovered included aprons with the “NBM” insignia, razor blades cut into pieces, mobile phones, amulets and suspected hard drugs.
“In addition, seven vehicles believed to be owned and used by members of the cult group were recovered and towed to the QRS Base in Warri.
“The suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations are carried out to determine their individual roles, dismantle the sect’s network and arrest other fleeing members,” the statement read.
The Delta State Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible information to enhance security across the state.
He told parents, schools, community and religious leaders, as well as young people, to see the fight against cultism as a collective responsibility.