By Fresh Facts Magazine Staff Reporter
Delta State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its sustained clampdown on violent crimes, with operatives of the Commissioner of Police (CP) Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) and the Safe Delta tactical unit arresting suspected cultists and armed robbers in separate sting operations.
The operations, carried out between 9th and 10th September 2025, led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol, locally fabricated firearms, live cartridges, and dangerous weapons.
Cultist Arrested in Ibusa
Acting on credible intelligence of cult-related activities in Ibusa town, CP-SAT operatives trailed and arrested one Oluwatobi Olugbemi, 29, a native of Ikenne-Remo in Ogun State but resident in Ogboli quarters, Ibusa.
A search warrant executed at his residence uncovered a Beretta pistol loaded with one round of ammunition.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to being a member of the notorious Supreme Vikings Confraternity (aka “Arrow Barger”), a cult group linked to violent clashes and youth unrest in parts of the state.
Police say investigations are ongoing to uncover his accomplices and broader cult networks within Delta communities.
Armed Robbers Intercepted in Asaba
Meanwhile, Safe Delta operatives, during surveillance along DBS Road, Asaba, arrested Raphael Chukwuemeka, 23, in the midst of a street fight. He was found in possession of a cut-to-size double-barrel pistol and seven live cartridges.
In another operation on 10th September at the Head Bridge, Asaba, police intercepted three suspects — Solomon Offor (22), Ifesinachi Nwankeze (19), and Ambrose Ugwuba (23) — during a stop-and-search routine.
The suspects, who were riding a motorcycle, were found with a locally fabricated cut-to-size single-barrel gun, cartridges, and a dagger concealed in a bag.
All four suspects are now in police custody while investigations continue.
Police Assures Citizens
Confirming the operations, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP. Edafe Bright, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, described the arrests as another success in the relentless fight against insecurity under the leadership of CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
He assured that the police remain committed to ensuring Delta communities are safe, adding that ongoing investigations would expose more criminal networks across the state.
Community Reactions
The arrests have sparked mixed feelings among residents. While many expressed relief at the police successes, others remain worried about the rising trend of youth involvement in cultism and violent crime.
Mrs. Caroline Efejoku, a trader at Ibusa market, told Fresh Facts Magazine:
“We sleep with one eye open these days because of these cult boys. Hearing that police arrested one of them with a pistol gives us some peace, but the truth is there are many more out there.”
Similarly, Mr. Friday Ude, a motorcyclist who plies the Asaba–Onitsha route, praised the police but urged sustained action:
“The stop-and-search is good. Many times, these small boys carry guns in bags. If police continue this way, armed robbery on our roads will reduce.”
However, a youth activist, Chike Nwaneri, cautioned against excessive profiling of young men by security agents, stressing the need for balance:
“Yes, we need security, but we also need to address why many youths are turning to cultism and armed robbery in the first place. Unemployment and idleness are pushing them into these groups.”
The Bigger Picture
Delta State, like many parts of Nigeria, has witnessed recurrent challenges of cult-related clashes, street crimes, and armed robberies, especially in urban centres such as Asaba, Warri, and Sapele.
Security analysts say while the recovery of firearms is a significant achievement, long-term safety will depend on sustained intelligence gathering, community collaboration, and stronger youth engagement initiatives.
As investigations continue, the people of Delta State remain watchful, hoping that the latest arrests mark another step toward restoring peace and security across the state.
