Residents of Ughelli in Delta State have been living in fear following a wave of cult-related violence that has claimed lives and disrupted daily activities, prompting an intensified security crackdown by the Delta State Police Command.
The police on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of 11 suspected cultists and armed robbers in coordinated operations across Ughelli and other parts of the state, as part of efforts to curb rising cult clashes, killings, and violent crimes.
In a statement issued in Asaba, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, who ordered an intelligence-led manhunt for cult members and armed criminals terrorising communities, particularly in Ughelli.
According to the police, recent clashes between rival cult groups in Ughelli had led to multiple killings, heightening tension and fear among residents. The situation forced security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further bloodshed and restore calm to the troubled town.
“As part of this decisive operation, operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson, dismantled a cult killing network linked to the recent violence in Ughelli,” the statement said.
The police disclosed that acting on credible intelligence, CP-SAT operatives arrested Warri Ochuko (40) of Orogun Community and Lucky Okohwoake (23) of Afiesere Community, both in Ughelli North Local Government Area. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly made confessional statements and provided information that led to further arrests across the Ughelli metropolis.
Following the intelligence, six additional suspects were arrested. They include Richard William (28) of Uwheru Community; Onoriode Pius (27) of Otor-Udu Community, Udu LGA; Sunday Jakpor (20) of Orhunwhun Community, Udu LGA; Victory Ogbemudia (25) of Oleh Community, Isoko South LGA; Raymond Arhiakpore (39) of Agbara Community; and Precious Wanogho (34) of Orogun Community.
Police said a locally made gun and four live cartridges were recovered from the initially arrested suspects. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity and admitted involvement in the killing of Alex Adanike (37) on January 15, 2026, at the Iwhrekpokpo area of Ughelli.
The killing, according to residents, was one of several incidents that deepened anxiety in the town, with many business owners closing early and residents restricting movement at night for fear of being caught in the violence.
In a related operation outside Ughelli, police said CP-SAT operatives on January 26, 2026, stormed a suspected criminal hideout in the Irapa area of Sapele town, where three additional suspects were arrested.
Those arrested in Sapele include Kome Temienoro (25) of Jesse Community; Ogaga Omogene (17) of Ugbuwe Community; and Biokoro Francis (42) of Okogborode Community, all of Delta State.
A search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of a wooden-carved pistol, a battle axe, a bulletproof vest, quantities of illicit drugs, and other incriminating items. A white Toyota Venza vehicle, suspected to have been used for criminal operations, was also recovered.
Police said further profiling and investigation of all suspects are ongoing to determine the full extent of their criminal activities and possible links to cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across Delta State.
Reassuring residents, CP Aina Adesola said the police command remains fully committed to ending cult-related violence and restoring peace in Ughelli and other affected communities. He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.
“The manhunt continues,” the police said, adding that informants’ identities would be protected through strict confidentiality measures.
